Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
THE integration of culture, lived experience and people-to-people exchange into public spaces is taking centre stage across Africa, as a historic Cape-to-Cairo walkathon continues to promote unity, shared identity and cultural learning across borders.
Zimbabwean actor and walkathon enthusiast Prince Ncube, popularly known as Dr Gasolo, has joined American actor and musician Eddie Bond and South African endurance walker James Shuping Setshogelo on the transcontinental journey after the group converged in Plumtree.
The Cape-to-Cairo walkathon, which began in Cape Town in September last year, is aimed at fostering unity, love and appreciation of Africa’s diverse cultures. The group has already traversed South Africa and Botswana before entering Zimbabwe.
South African walker James Shuping Setshogelo said the journey had reinforced a shared African spirit of solidarity and hospitality.
“Seeing him made me realise there is something common about Africa. In Africa we have love, we have hospitality and we love to help others,” he said, describing how communities along the route had rallied around the walkers.
Dr Gasolo said joining the walk was both a personal and national statement, rooted in his long-standing passion for endurance walking and cultural advocacy.
“Many know that there is Dr Gasolo long walk to success that I do every year… as we walked discussing on the road I realised that what I am doing is raising our Zimbabwean flag, that our country may be seen as I show our culture and tradition and humanity as Zimbabwe,” he said.
Leading the expedition, Eddie Bond said the journey was about authentic connection and learning from communities across the continent.
“What I found here is that communities come together. Once you meet one person, they call their friend… people are hooting at me and waving and they stop and take photos with us,” he said.
Despite the physical demands of the journey, the group remains committed to completing the walk, with Cairo, Egypt, as the final destination carrying Africa’s stories, cultures and shared values one step at a time.
