The Greatest Gift of the Season: Connection, Compassion, and a Journey Across South Africa
SALM TEAM 
From the 30th of October to the 9th of November 2024, nine extraordinary women from Germany embarked on a journey across South Africa that became far more meaningful than any of us could have anticipated. What was intended as a cultural and sightseeing tour transformed into a deeply human experience, one filled with connection, discovery, generosity, and unforgettable moments that intertwined the spirit of two nations. As their host and companion throughout the tour, I watched strangers become family, tourists become contributors, and a simple itinerary grow into a tapestry of shared laughter, reflection, and heartfelt encounters that none of us will ever forget.
The group was formed by women of different ages, passions, and beautiful personalities. Karin Barthel, a self-taught farmer with an infectious love for nature, experienced Africa for the very first time with the wide-eyed wonder of someone discovering a new chapter in life. She fell instantly in love with South Africa’s green farmlands, our open landscapes, and the rich blend of seasons that unfold from province to province. Petra Kube, tall and elegant, carried herself with the calm strength often associated with mature German women knowledgeable, helpful, and always ready with a warm smile. The Grimmell sisters, Andrea and Ulrike, both in their sixties, surprised everyone with their astonishing energy and adventurous spirit, especially during the hikes in Drakensberg where they walked more than 10 kilometres without losing enthusiasm or their admiration for the country’s breath taking scenery. Their awe at the mountains, valleys, and friendly interactions they witnessed along the way was pure and heart-lifting.
Among the group was Dr. Mechthild Hessbrüggen, in her eighties yet blessed with the stamina and discipline of someone decades younger. She woke up early each day, participated in every activity, and added an element of quiet wisdom to the journey. Her medical background became a blessing when anyone in the team felt a little weak or unwell, she always had practical remedies, reassuring words, and a gentle touch. Her daughter, Uta, a brilliant life coach with a thoughtful and encouraging nature, offered emotional warmth and clarity whenever needed. Then there was Cornelia Höhne, a talented journalist with a gifted eye for detail who captured South Africa’s colours, textures, smiles, and landscapes in ways that made ordinary scenes feel like moments from a documentary. Beside her was the lively and creative Bettina Schrauf, a television producer who instinctively knew how to frame moments, observe people, and find stories in simple, natural interactions. Each woman brought something unique, curiosity, kindness, open-mindedness, and deep respect for the culture and people they met.
Holding the heart of the journey together was the remarkable organiser, Karin Kedem. For years, Karin has invested her time, love, and resources into uplifting South African communities. She has funded drivers’ licences, paid school fees for learners, supported small businesses, and enabled sewing groups and artisans to build sustainable livelihoods. This tour was another extension of her mission. Her love for South Africa and her passion for empowering its people was evident from the very first day to the very last moment of the journey.
Supporting us on the road were two amazing men who elevated this tour into something extraordinary. Our driver and guide, Senzo Mncadi, owner of Let’s Go Local Tours was not simply transporting us from place to place. He was a storyteller, protector, historian, comedian, and cultural bridge. His patience, hospitality, and incredible knowledge about nature, Zulu customs, and the landscapes we passed made every kilometre meaningful. Alongside him was Mzwandile “King Ginger” Ngwenya, who gifted the group with laughter, local songs, stories, and the kind of warm, light-hearted spirit that makes long travel days feel short and joyful. His connection to KwaZulu-Natal, his humour, and his artistic presence brought life to the bus every single day.
The tour began in Johannesburg, where the group was welcomed in the vibrant cultural district of Maboneng. At Bertrand Café, friends of Karin offered a heartfelt introduction through music, dance, and storytelling. Performances by Amavevane, Jaiva Zimnike, Sibah Musiq, and the powerful rhythm of the 1575 drummers set the tone for the journey. Johannesburg revealed itself through art, heritage, and movement. The following day, on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus and later in Soweto, the women immersed themselves in the profound history of Vilakazi Street, the home of legends like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. They enjoyed local cuisine at Vuyo’s, witnessed colourful street performances, bought handcrafted items from local traders, then had a short visit at Stanley 44, and ended the day at Pata-Pata in Maboneng where the rich sounds of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Joe Nina, and Joe Mafela kept everyone on their feet.
From the city, we transitioned into the majestic quiet of the Drakensberg. The mountains greeted the group with fresh air, endless horizons, and a tranquillity that soothed every heart. At Berghouse and cottages in Bergville surrounded by cosy rondavels and views that stretch as far as the imagination, the group settled into nature. The next day’s hike about 11 km adventure through rugged trails, indigenous plants, San paintings, caves, and winding paths was both challenging and rewarding. Senzo, together with a passionate local guide, shared knowledge of herbs, history, wildlife, and isiZulu expressions. That evening, a spontaneous music session brought Belgian tourists together with our group, where Karin and King Ginger performed their newly released song, filling the mountain air with harmony.
One of the most powerful days of the tour unfolded in Gingindlovu, King Ginger’s hometown. This was not a tourist stop; it was a mission of love and giving. The group carried water purifiers, seeds, and other supplies for local schools. At Nxenjane Primary School, they were welcomed by joyful children singing and dancing, teachers expressing heartfelt gratitude, and community leaders deeply moved by the generosity. For many years, Karin had been supporting this school—first by donating doors to classrooms that had none, and now by assisting with resources that will transform daily life for learners. The group later visited Siyabonga, a young tailor sponsored by Karin’s organisation, whose mother shed emotional tears upon receiving an overlock sewing machine. They delivered 2 machines to a women’s sewing group in the community. It was a day full of tears, hugs, stories, and the purest form of humanity.
From Gingindlovu, the journey continued to Mtunzini and St Lucia, where the ladies enjoyed serene forest walks, wildlife sightings, and peaceful nights by the water. At Elephant Lake Hotel, they were surprised by the arrival of huge hippos wandering near the dining area. A boat cruise revealed crocodiles resting in the sun, hippos bathing in groups, and a variety of bird species perched along the waterway. In iSimangaliso National Park, they experienced the raw, wild beauty of South African nature, something that left them in awe.
The adventure carried on to Hluhluwe, where Hilltop Camp offered tranquillity, rondavels nestled in nature, and mornings filled with birdsong. Despite cloudy weather, the group experienced close encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelope species, moments that felt sacred and dreamlike. The connection between the women and the environment around them deepened with every sighting.
In Durban, the ocean offered a refreshing shift of energy. The group enjoyed cycling along the beachfront, visited cultural sites and museums, explored markets, swam in the warm sea, and spent time with young South Africans whose lives had been uplifted through Karin Kedem’s support. The final evening walk from uShaka Marine World to Suncoast was filled with storytelling, laughter, gentle sadness, and a collective understanding that the journey was coming to an end.
On the 9th of November, after a final shared meal, we returned to Johannesburg. The farewell at the airport was emotional, long hugs, heartfelt gratitude, promises of return, and silent moments where the weight of experience could be felt by everyone. These women came as visitors, but they left as part of South Africa’s extended family.
What stood out throughout this journey was not just the breath taking landscapes or the rich cultural encounters, but the connection that formed between Germany and South Africa. The women saw the warmth, resilience, and humanity of the people. They tasted our cuisine, listened to our music, danced with us, cried with us, supported our schools, and embraced our communities. They carried gifts of hope, left behind seeds of opportunity, and returned home with stories that will forever connect them to this land.
South Africa is often described through its contrasts its struggles and its triumphs, its beauty and its complexity, its challenges and its deep roots of ubuntu. Through the eyes of these nine women, Africa revealed herself not only through landscapes and wildlife, but through children’s smiles, hospitality, vibrant markets, stories of survival, and the unfiltered generosity of ordinary people. This journey reminded us that humanity is universal, kindness is a language every heart understands, and cultural exchange has the power to change lives on both sides.
Diana Kinyanjui 
