Former CEO and investor in the tech industry, Keith Boyd has embarked on a journey to cover 10000km on foot as he travels the length of Africa. Not only is he aiming to break the world record for the journey, but he’s raising awareness about his charity Rainbow Leaders and inspiring youth to take part in local and national elections
On 27 July, the 57-year-old retired telecoms entrepreneur began his adventure from the V&A Waterfront. Keith’s goal is to make it to Cairo in under 318 days, aiming to surpass a 25-year-old world record set by Nicholas Bourne.
“I started training 4 months before the start date,” says Keith. He reduced his training while he was in recovery for an invasive cardiac angiography in April, but will be going from 801km total in June to over 1200km per month until he reaches Cairo in March. “It’s been a tough first 10 days as the body has adapted to what is being asked of it. I’m still sore, of course, but able to function better.
”However, despite the challenges and the long days on the road, Keith looks forward to the school visits such as his recent talk at theTheron High School in Brits Town, engaging with people en route and helping to tell their story. “The world record attempt is only helpful in as much as it shines light on the issue of youth voter apathy,” says Keith. “When I am deep in a painful and lonely place on the road, I remind myself that this is the most important journey of my life, as we try to get young people to claim the power that is rightfully theirs – through the ballot box.”
Throughout his journey, Keith will be chatting with the youth about why there’s been a disengagement from democracy and low voter turnout amongst young people, and encouraging them to get involved in the democratic process by making their mark as soon as they are legal voters.
Keith is accompanied by a medic, who’ll make sure that he stays healthy throughout, as well as a videographer and security personnel – and keep an eye out for their vehicles on the road! The two 4×4 vehicles have been specially kitted out for the trip and are branded in the rainbow colours of his Rainbow Leaders charity.
