Photo: “Every journey starts with one single step.” Niel Germishuys

“Walking for those who can’t – we walk so they can.”

At 5:00 this morning, Walvis Bay-born Niel Germishuys began an extraordinary journey from the lighthouse in Swakopmund to Mouille Point in Cape Town , a distance of approximately 2 000km, which he aims to complete in just 24 days.

The Namib Times caught up with Germishuys yesterday afternoon before he set off, to hear more about the man behind the challenge and the cause driving him forward.

Germishuys, who was born in Walvis Bay in 1973 and moved to Cape Town in 1979, has been walking for charity since 2013. Since January 2025, he has already covered approximately 2 900km in his charity 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 people and families in South Africa and Namibia in need by providing wheelchairs, medical assistance and support, while also focusing on health, education and economic development.

For Germishuys, the foundation itself started with a 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.

His philosophy is simple, “Gratitude equals purpose.” And his mission? “We are there for those who can’t stand up by themselves.”

Germishuys he is calling on people to support the cause, whether through donations, sponsorships, partnerships or simply encouragement along the road. “For supporting those who can’t walk, every N$100 makes a difference.”

If you spot Niel on his journey, stop and give him a word of encouragement. Every bit helps.

DONATE • SPONSOR • PARTNER

Capitec Business Bank

Living Large Foundation

Current Account: 1055 4296 11

Branch Code: 450105

Reference: Please use your name and number.

 Follow the journey:

https://www.instagram.com/nielgermishuys?igsh=MTkxaXNnN3hyem52ZQ==

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ESga4afS7

https://www.instagram.com/livinglargefoundation?igsh=MW91Nzl6OHBtOG1iNA==

Follow the Namib Times for updates as this incredible journey unfolds. Read the full story and more about Niel’s mission in next Friday’s print edition of the Namib Times.

By Eileen van der Schyff