A setback in Windhoek – Niel In Need of a New Support for the Rest of Journey
Photo: Germishuys with staff of Wimpy Okahandja
A 2 000km walk from Swakopmund to Cape Town is no ordinary challenge, but for Walvis Bay-born Niel Germishuys, every painful kilometre has a purpose – to raise awareness and support for people who cannot walk for themselves.
Germishuys set off from the Swakopmund lighthouse at 5:00 on Sunday, beginning what he hopes will be a 24-day journey to Mouille Point in Cape Town. The 53-year-old was born in Walvis Bay in 1973 and moved to Cape Town in 1979. He has been walking for charity since 2013 and, since January 2025 alone, has covered approximately 2 900km through his various fundraising walks. This latest challenge is being undertaken in support of the Living Large Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation established in January this year. The foundation aims to assist individuals and families in Namibia and South Africa who are in need, including through wheelchairs, medical assistance and other support. Its broader focus includes health, education and economic development.For Germishuys, the foundation began with a simple dream.“I woke up at 2:00 in the morning, took a pen and paper and made a drawing. The next morning I looked at it and everything made sense, and this is how it all started,” he told the Namib Times before setting off. His philosophy is equally simple: “Gratitude equals purpose.” And his mission is to be there for people who cannot stand up for themselves.
The first kilometres
The first days of the walk have already tested Germishuyswith long distances, extreme temperatures and dangerous road conditions. On Monday, he completed approximately 80km, bringing his distance to 235km, while he was about 65km from Okahandja. By Tuesday night, he had reached Okahandja, where he spent the night near Wimpy. What could have simply been a place to stop for the night turned into one of the special moments of the journey. Germishuys made friends with the Wimpy staff, who offered to allow his camper van to remain parked there for the night for safety. “This is the special moments that makes everything worth while,” Germishuys commented in a photograph sent to the Namib Times, showing him together with the Wimpy staff. But the road itself has been far less welcoming. “But seriously… That road. The people drive like absolute maniacs there,” he said.He explained that he had narrowly avoided being hit several times by vehicles overtaking on the wrong side of the road.Wednesday brought another difficult combination of weather conditions. Germishuys described waking up to a freezing 2°C, followed by a dramatic rise in temperature during the day.The previous afternoon had reached approximately 38°C, leaving his legs badly sunburnt. Despite the conditions, he continued pushing forward. By Wednesday, he had completed approximately 245km and was still determined to keep moving. “Walking for those who can’t,” remains the message behind every step.
A setback in Windhoek
By the end of the fifth day, Germishuys had safely reached Windhoek and had completed approximately 370km in total. Despite the demanding conditions, he reported that he was still feeling good and had no serious physical problems.However, an unexpected setback has now interrupted the journey. His support person, who has been assisting him along the route, had to return to Cape Town on Wednesday afternoon. This has left Germishuys temporarily stranded in Windhoek while he looks for a suitable replacement to assist him with the support vehicle. For a man who has already walked hundreds of kilometres in just five days, the interruption is frustrating, but his determination remains unchanged.
In a telephonic interview with Niel on Thursday morning, he said he was still in Windhoek and was hopeful of securing new support for the remainder of his journey. If all goes according to plan, he will leave Windhoek for the next stretch of his journey at some point on Friday. Should anyone be able to help as a support, kindly reach out to Niel on his social media platforms.
Supporting the journey
Germishuys is appealing to individuals, businesses and organisations to support the Living Large Foundation through donations, sponsorships, partnerships or simply encouragement along the route. “For supporting those who can’t walk, every N$100 makes a difference,” he said. The foundation’s work is aimed at helping people and families who need assistance, with the ultimate goal of helping individuals regain dignity, independence and opportunity.
Anyone who sees Germishuys on the road is encouraged to stop safely and offer him a word of encouragement. Every kilometre represents another step towards his goal – and every contribution can help make the journey count.
DONATE • SPONSOR • PARTNER
Capitec Business Bank
Living Large Foundation
Current Account: 1055 4296 11
Branch Code: 450105
Reference: Please use your name and number.
Readers can follow Niel Germishuys and the Living Large Foundation on their social media pages.
By Eileen van der Schyff
