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Trailblazer: Thabang Skwambane

Brand South Africa
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April 23rd, 2008

Founder: Lonely Road Foundation

Why is Thabang a Trailblazer?

When this 31-year-old set up the Lonely Road Foundation to help rural communities support their orphans and vulnerable children, he knew he had to find an innovative way to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

What he came up with was truly inspirational – a 5 500 kilometre solo bicycle ride from Johannesburg to Mount Kilimanjaro that would end in his summiting Africa’s highest peak.

For Thabang, it was very important that his Lonely Road Challenge drew a direct parallel to the lives of children who grow up alone and unsupported throughout their childhoods and then, once they pass this milestone, are expected to become a productive member of society.

This final task is what Thabang saw as the “mountain” they had to climb at the end of their “Lonely Road”.

In his own words…

“If one person is inspired to make a difference, if one child is helped, then that is also something that I can take to my grave and say that at least I have made a difference in at least one person’s life.”

Fast Facts

Thabang left a successful career in merchant banking to start an HIV/Aids and Wellness company called Kaelo.
The Lonely Road Challenge took three months to complete and covered six countries.
Thabang followed a strict schedule, riding for six days and resting for one.
The challenge raised R676 000 raised for the Lonely Road Foundation.
Thabang survived many hardships, including a mugging, being hit by a truck and weight loss of 14 kilograms.
Thabang’s next challenge is to ensure that every cent of the Lonely Road Challenge goes to help projects supporting orphans and vulnerable children across South Africa.