Conquering the Amatola trail: A powerful stand against GBV

 IN A DISPLAY of resilience and determination, a group of 11 women and 3 men from diverse professions took on the toughest Amatola trail in Eastern Cape.

The Amatola trail, known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery, is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the country. Spanning 100km over 6 days, the trail winds through the Amatola Mountains, offering unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape.

The group, led by guide Lamerk Memory, walked an average of 20km per day, reaching elevations between 1000 and 1800m on different days.

Lamerk, who has led the trail multiple times, noted that the group showed incredible strength and determination. Days 3,  5, and 6 were the toughest, but the the sixth day proved particularly challenging, despite its shorter distance. On day 3, they peaked Geju mountain, braving misty, rainy conditions and freezing temperatures; however, nothing could stop them, said seasoned hiker Rosemary Mosia. 

They also crossed 11 rivers on one of the days.

The days started early, with the group waking up at 3:45 am, taking a group picture, and hitting the trail at 5 am. They'd stop for breakfast after 7kms, and lunch would typically be around 12:00, depending on their strength, vote, and the day's kilometer target.

The group also made time for a refreshing dip in some of the waterfalls along the way, taking a moment to soak in the natural beauty of their surroundings. For Mosia who is also the  Founder of BridgeWell, an NGO focused on reducing the acceptance of GBV as a norm and educating people on the link between alcohol and GBV, the hike was an opportunity to map out ways to tackle these issues. With evenings spent reflecting on the day's experiences, she said she gained valuable insights on how to assist those dealing with GBV.

"I mapped out how to tackle these problems and support women in abusive relationships. I'm saying enough is enough. We need to break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more just society for all. I'm committed to using my platform to raise awareness and funds for organisations supporting victims of GBV. It breaks my heart to get calls from family, friends, colleagues complaining about GBV and I'm unable to help. My NGO, BridgeWell, will have to start working on showing strategies drafted during the Amatola hike."

The hike demonstrated that women will no longer be victims of GBV, and it's time for change. By conquering the toughest hike in South Africa was another way of saying GBV will be conquered.

The group invites the public to join them in their fight against GBV. For more information on how to get involved, contact BridgeWell on 021 686 2294  or follow their social media channels for updates on their upcoming initiatives.