When their long-time teacher and hike leader left the school it looked like the Nombuleleo Hiking Club had come to the end of the road. But thanks to the keenness of the learners and the leadership of Masixole September, a Grade 12 pupil, it is not only alive and well but reborn with a wider mission as the Grahamstown East West Hiking Club.
When their long-time teacher and hike leader left the school it looked like the Nombuleleo Hiking Club had come to the end of the road. But thanks to the keenness of the learners and the leadership of Masixole September, a Grade 12 pupil, it is not only alive and well but reborn with a wider mission as the Grahamstown East West Hiking Club.
Despite having no resources themselves, the learners who are part of the club have continued to hike on the hills around Grahamstown, and have been assisted by funds sent from the Quaker religious group in Ireland, to venture a little further such as walking the Two Rivers Trail. The learners wanted to give their club its new name so that they could bring in fellow learners from all over Grahamstown to join them and enjoy hiking.
Last week they met up with their old mentor to once again hike the Amatola Trail and were faced with some bitterly cold weather, mud and a trail blocked repeatedly by trees which had fallen over due to the heavy rains and recent snow falls. However, the group with Amatola veteran sisters, Babalo and Nolubabalo Radu, as well as Akhona Plaatjie and Masixole September remained undeterred.
The enjoyment that the learners find in hiking is clear with comments such as; “We saw wonderful views and learned how to survive in the snow,” “Hiking is about having fun and helping each other,” and they also explained how hiking gives them independence. Hiking holds a great attraction for people of all ages, and hopefully these young people will continue to receive support from the Grahamstown community to enable them to continue with their efforts.
