Zimbabwean adventurer reaches SA after 24,000km drive from UK

UK-based Zimbabwean adventurer Nkosilathi Mathe has reached South Africa after driving 24 000km from England, leaving him with the final stretch of his epic journey home to Bulawayo.

The 49-year-old social worker and truck driver set off from Birmingham in a UK-registered 2017 Nissan X-Trail and has endured border delays, alleged demands for bribes, vehicle breakdowns and treacherous roads while travelling across Europe and Africa.

He now has about 3 000km left to complete the journey, which he undertook as a fundraising expedition for SOS Children's Villages.

Speaking to ZimLive from Johannesburg, where he was welcomed by members of the Zimbabwean community, Mathe said the challenges had never made him consider abandoning the journey.

"At no point have I considered abandoning the journey," he said. "I have been frustrated on occasions, but not to the point of contemplating abandoning the journey."

One of his most difficult encounters came at the Rosso border crossing between Mauritania and Senegal, where he was detained for about four hours after allegedly being caught filming on a public road.

Mathe said border guards searched his cameras and deleted footage showing officials allegedly demanding money from him.

In Senegal, he said he was repeatedly stopped by police and asked for unofficial payments.

"I was constantly harassed for bribes by police in Senegal, which resulted in a tense standoff in which an officer tried to grab my camera," he said.

He was also issued what he described as a "ridiculous ticket" for carrying his own luggage and bedding instead of passengers.

The challenges continued at the Ivory Coast-Liberia border, where Mathe said officials refused to allow him into Liberia despite visa-on-arrival regulations because he would not pay a bribe.

He was subsequently forced to make a 700km, 12-hour round trip to Monrovia to obtain the required paperwork.

His vehicle also came under severe strain during the journey.

On the Angola-Zambia route, Mathe became stuck in deep sand in a remote area before the X-Trail's starter motor failed.

He walked for about 45 minutes to a nearby worksite to seek assistance and arrange a tow.

Unable to repair the starter immediately, he resorted to push-starting the vehicle while crossing a series of wooden bridges into Zambia.

Earlier, a mud trap in West Africa had dislodged the vehicle's front bumper, which he secured using makeshift straps.

His sunroof was also shattered in Ghana by welding sparks while he was repairing the roof rack, with replacement costing £500.

The unexpected repairs and accommodation costs have pushed the expedition's bill to about £15 000, at the upper end of his original budget.

Mathe said the journey could have been cheaper had he slept in the vehicle more frequently instead of using hotels.

Beyond the physical challenges, the journey has given Mathe firsthand experience of the difficulties faced by travellers and transporters moving across Africa.

He contrasted the relative ease of travelling through Europe with his experiences on the continent.

"I crossed nine European countries in three days and only presented my passport when leaving the UK and entering France. There was not a single roadblock or police checkpoint," he said.

"In Africa, I have encountered hundreds of police checkpoints.

"For another African citizen to be required to pay up to US$200 for a visa just to explore our own continent is unacceptable."

Mathe said poor roads, border delays and visa restrictions were also increasing the cost of trade across the continent.

"Lack of decent roads means ease of trade is hampered, and you see trucks delayed at borders for days. It adds costs to consumers and hinders economic growth," he said.

Mathe launched the journey as a fundraiser for SOS Children's Villages, although donations on the Facebook page he created currently stand at £50.

He remains hopeful that support will increase as he approaches the end of his journey.

After reaching Johannesburg, Mathe said the reality of finally returning home was beginning to sink in.

"I am so happy to have reached South Africa and have had a great welcome from the Zimbabwean community in Johannesburg," he said.

"I could tell the relief from my mother when she called and found out I was in Johannesburg. I feel excited that I am nearly home and grateful for all the prayers that have ensured I arrive safely."

Mathe will make his final push through Botswana before crossing into Zimbabwe at Plumtree Border Post, completing his remarkable homecoming drive to Bulawayo.


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