GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Months of preparation and marketing by the De Wet family finally paid off when on 1 May, Dawid de Wet, co-owner of *Karoo 360, attempted and achieved to summit the **Compassberg Mountain – barefoot!
Dawid and his wife decided to raise funds in aid of their son, Richter de Wet's football club, Dangerous Darkies. Richter joined the Dangerous Darkies in January and the first thing he noticed was that very few of his teammates had football boots. They played on rough terrain either barefoot or with shared boots, often wearing only one.
The afternoon before the climb, the u.11 Dangerous Darkies team received their new soccer boots and kit and challenged the u.11 Eleven Attackers Football Club to a game of football at uMazizakhe Stadium. Karlien de Wet, Richter’s mom, says that the youngsters weren't used to playing with boots and that some even took them off halfway through the game to play.
That evening local farmers, townsmen and members of the Dangerous Darkies Football Club came together for a friendly match of soccer. From seasoned veterans to rookies, individuals from diverse backgrounds took to the field as equals, with parents, spouses, children and friends cheering from the sideline. Karlien says that the atmosphere was one of celebration and that this moment was one that left her speechless. “Amidst laughter and camaraderie, bonds were strengthened, and memories were made, underscoring the profound impact of collective action,” she says.
Before this climb, Dawid already completed the Compass Mountain climb 22 times, wearing shoes. However, his climb on 1 May was his first barefoot attempt and the cold weather made it a tough challenge.
At around 9:00 on the day of the climb, twenty other climbers joined Dawid on his journey to the top of the Compassberg Mountain. It took them a total of three hours to reach the top. Dawid says that the wind was extremely strong, throwing them off balance sometimes, making the next step a challenge. He says that the support of his fellow hikers made this whole experience a breeze. “With descending my feet were sensitive because you have to break and in the last third of the hike the small rocks were slippery with no shoes on.”
Dawid said when he stood atop Compassberg, his feet hardened by the rugged terrain, he knew that his journey was about more than conquering a mountain. It was about lifting up a community, inspiring others to believe in the power of collective action and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. “Without the unwavering support and tireless efforts of my wife, Karlien, none of this would have been possible,” says Dawid.
Who are the Dangerous Darkies?
Dangerous Darkies Football Club was founded in 1972 in uMasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet, making it the oldest FC in Graaff-Reinet. Originally known as Red Eagles FC, the team played in red and white colors. With so much that happened, Richter is thankful that he and his teammates look great in their new gear. He says that he is super proud of being a Dangerous Darkie. “Now we only need to win the league, but we will have to get these shoes softer and with a lot of practice we will.”
Donations and Funds Raised
Karlien says that support came from family, friends, anonymous sponsors, old clients, the Graaff-Reinet community and businesses like Tekkie Town, M.J. du Preez of Doktrine's, De Oude Pastorie in Nieu-Bethesda and Oasis Graaff-Reinet. “The Karoo 360 ‘Compassberg for a Cause’ project has seen an incredible outpouring of support from generous individuals and sponsors alike,” says Karlien.
Through the Back-a-Buddy campaign, an impressive total of R 47 156.13 was raised, while the climb itself garnered an additional R 6 700. She says these contributions represent not just financial support, but also a collective belief in the power of community-driven initiatives.
You can still contribute
For those who missed the opportunity to join the climb or participate in the fundraising events, there is still a chance to contribute to this noble cause.
The Back-a-Buddy campaign, which has been instrumental in mobilizing support thus far, remains active until the end of May.
By visiting the campaign's page at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/dawid-de-wet-5837195744555262142, individuals can make donations online, ensuring that the impact of the Karoo 360 ‘Compassberg for a Cause’ project continues to grow.
*The Karoo 360 personnel are stewards of personalised, sustainable and awe-inspiring experiences in the Great Karoo
**At 2504 meters, Compassberg Mountain is the highest peak in the Sneeuberg range and second highest in the Eastern Cape. It’s found just north of the small village of Nieu-Bethesda.
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