How Boikie Monareng pushed hope across South Africa
Discover why Boikie Monareng pushed a wheelbarrow across South Africa, raising anti-bullying awareness and support for disadvantaged youth.
Boikie Monareng recently turned a simple wheelbarrow into a powerful symbol of courage, healing, and hope. His journey from Musina to Cape Town, pushing a wheelbarrow, captured hearts in classrooms and communities alike.
Boikie faced rejection and bullying as a child. Born with a severe hearing disorder, he communicated through sign language, struggled at school and lacked confidence.
At age 14, everything changed for him when a German doctor sponsored life-changing surgery. Boikie’s world opened when he regained his hearing.
Sport became his lifeline. Running, swimming, rugby, and cycling built discipline and purpose. Years later, he would complete nine gruelling Comrades Marathon races and eight Ironman challenges.
BOIKIE MONARENG’S PURPOSE BEHIND PUSHING THE WHEELBARROW ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA
His wheelbarrow journey was not about fame, but about children.
After visiting an orphanage in Bela-Bela that revealed painful realities, including torn uniforms, worn shoes, and desks without stationery, Boikie founded his charity. Run Boikie Run (RBR) empowers disadvantaged youth through sport and education.
Other projects preceded this latest challenge. He also cycled from Zimbabwe to Bela-Bela for charity, among other initiatives. He hosted local races that awarded more than 8 000 medals to children.
He covered more than 2 000 kilometres from Musina to Cape Town, all the way pushing a wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow symbolised emotional burdens such as pain, fear, and silence.
The recent journey ran from 11 November 2025 to 13 March 2026.
Each step carried a message: Speak out against bullying, support young people, and build safer schools. Previously, he cycled from Cape Town to Musina for a similar purpose.
HOW BOIKIE’S STORY INSPIRES A NEW GENERATION
Along dusty roads and busy highways, Boikie visited schools and townships where he shared his childhood struggles. Young listeners saw their own fears reflected, but also saw strength, determination and possibilities.
Through his projects, he continues to build a support centre to address bullying nationwide. And in between, he also teaches and trains children.
Boikie says his toughest battle was not against the heat or distance. It was the voice in his mind urging him to stop. But he kept going for children and their dreams.
And he promises that his wheelbarrow will continue carrying stories – and hope – across South Africa.