By Lelethu Zondani
On a warm yet overcast Sunday morning, we joined dozens of nature lovers for the Plod with a Purpose hike – a fundraising walk dedicated to saving the African penguin from extinction. The cool, gloomy weather made the trek easier, but what truly lifted the spirit was the turnout. People of all ages, from different walks of life, came together for a shared cause: conservation.
Before the hike, we had the privilege of going on a guided penguin tour inside SANCCOB’s rehabilitation centre. Seeing the behind-the-scenes work opened my eyes to how urgent and complex this fight really is. The African penguin population has dropped to fewer than 9,000 breeding pairs – a staggering decline that threatens the species’ survival.
SANCCOB’s mission is nothing short of critical: to reverse the decline of seabird populations, especially the critically endangered African penguin, through rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and ill birds, as well as preparedness for disasters like oil spills and mass chick abandonment. Their work also strengthens marine ecosystems in biodiversity hotspots like Algoa Bay.
The hike itself, organised by For the Love of Nature – proud Tourism Hiking Ambassadors for the Eastern Cape – was more than just a scenic walk. It was a reminder that people do care about the future of our environment. Seeing so many locals step up for sustainability filled me with hope, but also sparked a personal responsibility in me: I need to do more to protect the environment for my future children.
We are fortunate to share our coastline with such beautiful, charismatic creatures, yet we often take them for granted. These events help shift that perspective, creating awareness and raising funds that can truly make a difference. Attending and sharing the experience feels like a small contribution – but small steps add up.
In the words of the organisers, “Endangered means there is still hope, if we act now.” And judging by the community’s support, Gqeberha is ready to walk that extra mile for the penguin.
picture: For the love of nature
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