Waking up to walk
Written by Siba Rolinyati, Social Auxiliary Worker, Residential program at Saartjie Baartman Centre
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| My First Blocktober, 2023 |
I started hiking in my first Blocktober and I remember how difficult it was for me. At the time I didn't have much reason for hiking, it was just something I always wanted to do.
I joined the hikes with Blocktober and everything changed for me. It was no longer just hiking for no purpose — the purpose was solidarity, walking for change and standing against GBV. That changed my mindset.
I will never forget my first time climbing Table Mountain. I was so afraid, but the people around me motivated me and made me believe I was capable. And I did it — I made it to the top of Table Mountain. It's a moment I will never forget in my life.
Hiking has shown me it's not about me. It's about the survivors and fighting GBV with walking — and being quiet, walking and just being yourself, walking and knowing that the people I am walking with are walking for the same purpose, to fight GBV.
I later became the coordinator for SBC and started taking survivors and their children with us. Now it's part of the work we do. For moms and children who are often isolated in one place or community, it means getting to see the other side of our town, other views and other experiences.
Seeing how much the survivors and their children enjoy it has brought joy to the work, excitement for the survivors. To see the children excited and looking forward for the hike, they don't stop talking about having something to look forward to every in every walk. And the smiles I see when they come back. At first it was a challenge to actually bring them along because they didn’t know what it was about or they didn’t understand. In every group I try to explain and motivate them, to tell them what is the purpose. And reassure them that they are safe.Now they come to me and ask to go with. It really means that the walk is doing something special to the staff’s members and the moms and children in our centre. Even the ones that have already finished the program are welcome to join again. Which is something I really want, for them to continue to walk even if they are not in the shelter.
The Blocktober members — everyone so kind, motivating and welcoming — have shown me that good people still exist.
I have enjoyed every hike. Waking up to walk and finishing all the trails has taught me that even when the road is difficult, you will always make it. I love and enjoy this solidarity walk with purpose.
Read more about Blocktober here blocktober.co.za
Read more blog posts https://stepsforsaartjie.blogspot.com/2025/10/read-other-steps-for-saartjie-blogs.html?m=1
Donate using this link https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/blocktober-and-saartjie-baartman-centre-2026
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