Stewart is literally going the extra mile to raise public awareness about the seriousness of alcohol abuse by cycling from Shongweni Valley, KwaZulu-Natal, to the Cape Town Festival of Beer. The George Herald caught up with him during his stop-over in George.
Heeding a call from South Africans against Drunk Driving's (SADD) public involvement, and reading statistics: "2013 statistics show that death by drunk drivers has now increased to nearly 12 000 deaths per year," he decided that the planned trip would be a good way to highlight the SADD's plight.
"I am by no means a cyclist," he said. "I bought my bicycle three weeks before this trip and had first just looked at it as more of a fitness challenge," smiled Stewart.
"This trip is now dedicated to my long-time friend Stephen Erasmus (aka Smiley) who died in an drunk driving accident three years ago." Erasmus was killed in an accident just outside Cape Town. "He was in the South African Navy's special forces with such a larger than life personality," said Stewart.
"I have lost eight of my mates from school due to alcohol related accidents," said Stewart. He explained the family owned brewery gave him a new perspective on the seriousness of alcohol-related incidents.
Stewart aimed to visit schools and universities as well as local pubs to highlight the seriousness of drunk driving while on the road. "Unfortunately the schools are busy with year-end examination so many were unable to accommodate me," he explained.
Stewart, who himself had been arrested for drunk driving 10 years ago, does not want people to abstain completely, but rather encourages drinkers to enjoy alcohol responsibly. "If a group of mates are going to the pub make sure that there is a designated driver. In the bigger cities the designated driver is given an armband for the night and they receive all their non-alcoholic beverages for free," said Stewart.
Asked about the safety of his trip, he replied, "I actually hadn't given the safety much thought. But JP (paramedic Jean-Pierre Joubert) follows me closely in our support vehicle and that has made it so much easier." Joubert added that most of the motorists along the road had been extremely friendly, "but the bus drivers are the worst, they seem to see how closely they can skim past Donn."
Leigh Keet, sports coach and Stewart's girlfriend, intended to support him by cycling alongside him. "Ten kilometres into the cycle I fell and injured my knee and have had to watch him from the air-conditioned support vehicle," said a disappointed, but teasing Keet.
Once in Cape Town Stewart intents to further raise money for the cause. His micro-brewery, Robson's Beer, has designed a special edition, Double Indian Pale Ale, which is limited to only 100 bottles. These bottles, which are beautifully packed in a wooden crate and straw, will be auctioned off at the Cape Town Festival of Beer as well as online."Creating a successful and carefully crafted beer is one aspect of owning a brewery, but the social impact of this business needs to be considered. South Africa struggles with crimes and abuse related to alcohol and therefore I need to be part of the solution to this," he concluded.
Stewart is appealing for support and sponsorship to help make the trip a success. Already, South African Breweries, Future Life, Fat Baz Restaurants, Hillcrest Toyota and ER24 have joined him in support of a very worthy cause. He encourages anyone who wishes to contribute, or learn more about his campaign, to contact him on 083 250 7193.
Readers can further SMS the word 'ROBSONS' to 38232. Each SMS costs R10. Funds raised will be donated to South Africans Against Drunk Driving.
Donn Stewart is currently undertaking a cycle trip from KwaZulu-Natal to the craft beer festival in Cape Town to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse. The team, from left: Donn Stewart, Leigh Keet and JP Joubert. The 9-week-old bull mastiff puppy, Major, is supporting Stewart from the vehicle.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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