Wild Child Africa is a company specialising in trail running events and one-day Ultra competitions along the Northern section of the Wild Coast, known as Pondoland.
© Nick Muzik
Matt Botha, co-owner and founder of both Wild Child Africa and the PONDO Trail Run had the following to say about the work they do in Pondoland; ‘Tim, my brother, and I were incredibly fortunate to spend much of our upbringing on Pondoland’s coastline and it’s an absolute privilege not only to have the opportunity to share it with other like-minded people but also play a part in the preservation of its future.’
The PONDO is not only the experience of a lifetime but also a race with purpose. The 2022 event saw the launch of its “Pondo-People-Planet” initiative. Competitors were able to raise more than R140 000 towards this project, with the funds being donated towards The Pondoland Conservation Trust and the Cipla Foundation’s “Miles for Smiles” initiative, which raises funds for corrective surgery for cleft conditions. The first group of beneficiaries have already undergone corrective surgeries in Umtata.
Cipla Foundation trustee, Paul Miller, says; ‘We’re focused on “Caring for Life” and helping to make a difference in communities. The partnerships with PONDO will help to ensure that more children with cleft lip or palate have access to the level of surgical care needed.’
‘It was truly a humbling experience to witness so many people giving off their time and sharing their skills so willingly and with such grace’ Tim Botha, of Wild Child Africa, said. ‘There are 22 new and beautiful smiles in Pondoland thanks to this remarkable team effort. It was an emotional experience and a privilege to be there, not only to witness these life-changing surgeries but also to see our dream of providing sustainable, low-impact tourism that has a direct benefit to the local communities come to fruition.’
Stuart Blacklaw and Thulani Khuboni of “Team Manteku” topped the fundraiser charts for this year’s event, which afforded them a complimentary place on next year’s event which will be held from 25 – 28 May 2023.
With the coaster event already sold out for next year, and only a few remaining places for the Ultra, the focus will now be on running for purpose and for teams to start their fundraising campaigns early to see who can topple the gigantic 2022 efforts of Team Manteku.
Pictures: Supplied
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