On September 18th and 19th, the Wits Adventure and Environmental Society (WAES) took part in the Notties 100, a 100km endurance event held as part of Breaking the Darkness, an initiative aimed at raising funds and awareness for Unchain Our Children, a South African organisation dedicated to combating human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. The event saw sixteen participants start the trek, with three completing the full 100km distance.
The route was divided into four 25km legs, each with a six-hour cut-off. Despite challenging weather conditions, with rain soaking the first half and low cloud covering the second, participants persevered, driven by their commitment to the cause. The WAES team raised over R26,000 for Unchain Our Children, a significant contribution to the organisation's efforts to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
At the end of each 25km section, participants paused for a ritual that was at the heart of the event: lighting a candle and writing a letter addressed to someone still living through the kind of darkness the walk was raised to confront. This exercise served as a poignant reminder of the purpose behind the trek, reframing the participants' experience and giving them a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
Unchain Our Children, founded nine years ago, works tirelessly to combat the prostitution of minors, human trafficking, and other human rights violations, providing a safe haven for victims and helping them to rebuild their lives. The organisation's quiet, sustained work is often overlooked, but events like Breaking the Darkness exist to fund and spotlight their efforts, raising awareness and support for this critical cause.
For WAES, a society built around adventure and the outdoors, the Notties 100 was a natural extension of their activities, taking on a physical challenge while giving it a purpose beyond the trail. Every kilometre walked and every obstacle overcome became a tangible act of solidarity with people whose suffering is rarely seen and even more rarely spoken about.
The WAES team hopes that the funds raised will go directly toward protecting vulnerable children and supporting survivors on their path back to safety. By sharing their story, they aim to encourage others to look closer at a cause that is often left in the dark, highlighting the importance of collective action in the fight against human trafficking.
The success of the Notties 100 event demonstrates the impact that can be made when individuals come together to support a worthy cause. As WAES continues to promote awareness and raise funds for Unchain Our Children, their efforts will contribute to a broader movement to combat human trafficking and exploitation in South Africa.
Key points
- The Wits Adventure and Environmental Society raised over R26,000 for Unchain Our Children through the Notties 100 event.
- The 100km trek was completed by three participants, with the rest covering significant portions of the route.
- Unchain Our Children works to combat human trafficking, prostitution of minors, and other human rights violations in South Africa.
