Supporters who showed up for the Ruck March
Image: Cherie Vertuin
By Cherie Vertuin
Burdened by the weight of the struggles faced in communities, Brian Fell and Kurtis Kinsey launched an initiative to walk 65km with 20kgs of weight for Human Rights Day.
Even though the weather was against the duo, they started the morning at midnight in Marianridge, greeted by heavy rain and thunderstorms, they set out in commemoration of March 21, 1960.
The founders of Ruck and Resolve celebrated the Sharpeville massacre by walking through five different communities - Marianridge, Newlands, Greenwood Park, Sydenham and Wentworth - in Durban to break both physical and social boundaries between people.
"We also celebrate the right to move, connect, and unite by adding 5 kg of weight as we entered each area to give a message of hope. We should all stand for each other instead of fighting each other lets form a better barrier of love and respect towards each other," Kinsey said.
“This initiative is very personal to me because it’s rooted in the challenges I faced growing up. I experienced bullying, teasing, and emotional abuse. There were times when I felt overlooked, misunderstood, and mentally drained. Carrying that weight wasn’t easy," Fell added.
Fell said at its core, this journey is about resilience, healing, and reminding people that their story doesn’t end with what they’ve been through.
Sean Justine, owner of Heart Zone Ambulance Services, said they assisted the team to give their support.
Speaking to IOL, Leo Meth said he took on the challenge to support his brothers, Kurtis and Brian.
Meth who started the walk in Sydenham and ended with them in Wentworth, which totalled around 20km said it was a challenge.
"All communities accepted us and supported us with snacks, drinks and cheers along the way," he added.
Kinsey said through stormy weather and moments of exhaustion, they were lifted by the open arms, cheers, and support of every community they passed through.
Participant, Mapelo Roskruge said living in a time where men don’t talk about their issues it was great to support the initiative.
"The Ruck March gives a voice to the voiceless," he said.
The men said the march was challenging in Newlands and Greenwood Park where there are hills.
"Every step was a reminder that pain can either break you or build you, and we’ve chosen to let it build us," the men said.
IOL