Karen Zoid, PJ Powers and more celebrities to raise funds for Solidarity Fund

The South African Chamber of Commerce (SA Chamber) in the UK has brought together some of South Africa’s well-loved celebrities for the global Solidarity Walk initiative.

The Solidarity Walk aims to unite South Africans diaspora and friends of the country to show support for those affected by the world’s recent health pandemic. Among these celebrities are Lucas Radebe, Karen Zoid, Andre Snyman and PJ Powers who along with the SA Chamber also aims to raise awareness and donations for the Solidarity Fund.

The Solidarity Walk

The Solidarity Walk is said to be a symbol of unity encouraging businesses, groups and individuals around the world to support the Solidarity Fund in strengthening critical prevention, detection, care and support activities for those impacted by the pandemic in South Africa.

The initiative brings together business leaders, celebrities, and accomplished sports stars.

“The SA Chamber’s Solidarity Walk is a great way to show support for the Solidarity Fund,” said Leeds United FC and Bafana Bafana Football Legend, Lucas Radebe. “I will be walking in solidarity with the South African diaspora and friends of our nation who want to recognise the work of those helping the country overcome the pandemic.”

Andre Snyman, the veteran Springbok player will also join the initiative. He said: “Supporting initiatives that contribute to the Solidarity Fund has never been so important. We all have a role to play, the pandemic has left so many families destitute with little or no source of income, making the role of initiatives such as the Solidarity Walk even more crucial.”

Music legend PJ Powers aka Thandeka, endorsed the efforts by the SA Chamber to support the Solidarity Fund. “We as South Africans will overcome what we are going through right now. We need to celebrate our diversity and we need to form a strong bond for solidarity – that is so sorely needed in South Africa at the moment. We shall overcome!” said Powers.

“Queen of Rock”, talk show host and The Voice judge Karen Zoid added, “I am proud and happy to be part of this campaign to raise funds for those most in need of food, health and wellbeing. Just in the music and entertainment industry alone the immediate impact and loss of income have been huge. The only way to get through this is together.”

A virtual challenge

The Solidarity Walk is a virtual challenge for people to join and collectively cover 2414 miles / 3885 km. This is the furthest distance across the country, clocking kilometres from Cape Town to Beitbridge and back again. The total distance will be displayed on the SA Chamber website along with a moving map to show current progress in miles. Another counter will show the total funds raised with all donations going directly to the Solidarity Fund.

Sharon Constançon, chair of the SA Chamber warmly welcomed the high-profile support, saying: “We are excited to partner with well-loved personalities from SA and abroad for the Solidarity Walk. We believe that our celebrity ambassadors will inspire people to register to complete their chosen mileage on foot in any way they choose from 29 to 31 August.”  

This fun challenge offers South Africans, citizens in the diaspora and friends of the nation, the opportunity to get involved in social groups, families or individually at home. Participants are reminded to check local public health guidelines when planning their activity.

Individuals and businesses will be recognised with e-certificates by the respected business network that promotes bi-lateral trade between South Africa and the UK, being awarded for those who participate in the one-off global event.

You can register your participation by following this link: #SolidarityWalk

Event details

• Date: Any one or more days from 29 to 31 August 2020
• Time: At any time that suits you, within the 3 days
• Place: Wherever you wish to exercise – close to home, a park, your garden or one of the suggested routes
• With whom: Alone, with your family, with friends, with a social group formed for the event
• Cost: It is approximately R35 to a register – optional refund from final donation
• Donation: Any amount
• Sponsorship: Raising money at an amount per mile walked, encourages you to walk further
• Activity: As long as you are moving on foot you can join