By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PLENTY of high-profile fun runs and surf swims feature along the region’s coast every summer but a relatively low-key event this weekend might be the most poignant.
Eleven-year-old Zakhele Stevens is organising the Sail to Surf fun run at Torquay on Saturday to raise funds for the South African orphanage in which he was raised.
Adopted by Torquay’s Stevens family, Zakhele and two Torquay College mates have raised about $500 so far.
“It started as a school community action project,” mum Dianna Stevens explained.
“He got up in front of the class and explained what it’s all about. He’s received pledges from all over the world, so the response has been really great.”
Mrs Stevens worked in community development for UNICEF and Save the Children, helping Zakhele with his international contacts.
The family adopted Zakhele while in southern Africa and later returned for his adoptive sister, Lindiwe.
“He was only two when we adopted him, so he understood a bit more when we went back to adopt Lindiwe,” Mrs Stevens said.
“I’m so proud of him that he’s so happy to be open and upfront about where he came from and wants to give back.”
Mrs Stevens said the Tshepo Ya Bana children’s home, outside South African capital Pretoria, needed the funds to paint and furnish a recently completed extension.
“The home receives government foster care grants for some children but relies on donations,” she said.
Mrs Stevens said participants in Zakhele’s Sail to Surf event could walk or run between Torquay Sailing Club and the town’s surf beach from 4pm Saturday.
Prizes would be available to the participants who run the most legs or who wear the best costume.
Ms Stevens said more information was available by emailing her at hopeforchildrentorquay@gmail.com.
