Maria David
AFTER an inspiring 713-kilometre cycling expedition from Windhoek, determined Namibians David Homateni (33) and Kornelia Hangula (30) arrived safely in Ongwediva on Wednesday afternoon.
Their vital support driver, Panduleni Nayson, accompanied them throughout the journey.
The purpose behind their ambitious tour was to elevate awareness surrounding men’s mental health, a critical issue often overlooked due to societal norms that discourage men from expressing vulnerability.
CYCLING FOR AWARENESS: Two Namibians, David Homateni and Kornelia Hangula, have embarked on a 713-kilometre cycling tour from Windhoek to Ongwediva to raise awareness about mental health. Seen here reaching Akuna and heading to Ongwediva, they were later joined by a third cyclist, Vende Jafet, who joined the cycling tour campaign at Oshivelo. Video: Maria David
Homateni and Hangula embarked on their journey last Sunday to foster understanding and encourage open conversations about mental well-being.
They were joined along the way by a third cyclist, Vende Jafet (32), from Okapate Pedal Power and the Oshana Pedal Group, who linked up with the campaign at Oshivelo in the Oshikoto Region.
This powerful initiative sought to dismantle the stigma that frequently prevents men from seeking help, promoting an environment where open dialogue about mental health is not just accepted but actively encouraged.
According to Homateni, the initiative was born from his personal recognition of the need to address anxiety and his desire for success.
He had initially considered the awareness campaign two years prior but followed his parents’ advice to undertake trial runs first.
“I then told some of my friends that I wanted to cycle to create awareness on mental health, and they told me that they could do it as a group to make it a success,” he explained.
He d that what began as an individual idea blossomed into a collective effort with the support of his friends.
For Hangula, the motivation stemmed from her belief in the cause and encouragement to participate.
“This will help any Namibian man to know that it is okay to cry and it is okay to show some vulnerability,” she said.
She also added that the campaign taught her the importance of determination and focusing on personal goals.
Jafet shared his perspective, saying the best solution to mental health is to always work out and keep oneself busy.
He expressed hope that with sufficient donors, they could continue the campaign in future years, reaching all corners of the country.
Panduleni Nayson, who led the way at a steady pace of 20 km/h, described the experience as the “most joyful adventure” he had undertaken and expressed his relief at their successful arrival at their destination.
