Siyanda Dlamini and his Peace Walk 2022 came through Welkom on Friday (18/03).
This colourful and vibrant young man with his message of peace and stability literally stopped the traffic down Stateway as he traversed the main road, speaking to everyone who would lend him an ear.
Dlamini comes from a small village, Mandeni, in KwaZulu-Natal.
“During the violence in 2021 my area and province were badly affected by the looting and vandalism that went hand in hand with violent rioting.
“This caused massive unemployment and instability for the people who live there.
“The aftermath is devastating, and evidence of it can still be seen in places,” he says.
Four weeks ago Dlamini started walking from Durban, through Soweto to Cape Town (and all the places in-between), and still has another four weeks to go before he reaches Cape Town.
“I engage with young people in the communities I travel through to enhance peace as I go along.
“I received a message from God that I must preach the word of peace, and this is what I am doing.”
Dlamini says he has only been met with goodwill and love on his travels.
“People stop and ask me what I am doing, and when I tell them they offer assistance in the form of food and accommodation – or they will just stop to listen to my message.”
He says he loves engaging with people.
In Welkom Dlamini was met by Kgojane Matutle, manager of communications, marketing and branding for the Matjhabeng Municipality.
He welcomed Dlamini on behalf of the executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha. Matutle made a contribution on behalf of the municipality.
“Unfortunately it is school holidays, so I will not be able to meet with youth orginasations in Welkom,” Dlamini told Vista.
