Established in 2020, Ga-Rankuwa Hiking Club, a non-profit entity was created to connect the youth and all people with nature through Hiking activities. The vision was to grow the club through environmental education and awareness, safety and security.
One of the founding members of the club, Thabang Mashilo revealed in an interview with Tshwane Bulletin Newspaper how the club was established and its purpose.
“In 2020 we started a hiking community initiative which focuses on environmental awareness, education and mining side rehabilitation and nature conservation. Its purpose is to drive and steer environmental and safety education program within the Mmakau Hills,” said Mashilo.
The club hikes every Saturday morning with a group consisting of about 50+ people in attendance.
Mashilo emphasised the positive impacts of hiking physically and mentally on one’s health.
“Hiking is an activity that reduces stress levels thus improving health, chance to explore new lands and some unique experiences. It connects you with the natural environment, you explore nature without any artificial objects,” he added.
The club does its hiking activities at Mmakau Hills and Mashilo explained why Mmakau Hills is the most preferred.
“Since we are from a disadvantaged community and unemployment is high, we felt that the Mmakau Hills will be an appropriate and convenient place to hike since we can’t afford to go hike at Hennops, Groenkloof etc”.
The club continues to do hiking activities on Saturday mornings and those who are interested in joining can come along at Kobo stability Zone 16 behind Shoprite Usave where club members meet before the activity .
