“Too often, we see obstacles as barriers that inhibit us from achieving the extraordinary but I say, ‘challenges are stepping stones to higher ground’.

These inspiring words were uttered by Edeline Mutize, 28, a woman who is increasingly becoming known as a social activist and an innovative thinker with a thirst for making meaningful impact in the lives of South Africa’s orphans and underprivileged children.

She was speaking with regards to her latest campaign called‘Mission Possible –Two Oceans marathon back to back -2013’, a daring movement aimed at raising funds and awareness for Newkidz (a non-profit organization whose major focus is to establish loving homes for orphaned, vulnerable and destitute children, by creating awareness and support for orphans and underprivileged children in South Africa) by competing back to back in the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon.

Edeline will be amongst a record field of over 26 500 runners expected to line up for the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, a 56 km / 35 mile ultramarathonand 21km half-marathon held annually in Cape Town, on Easter Saturday, 30 March. Unlike other runners who will run 56 km/ultra mile marathon or 21 km, Edeline will run 112 km to promote her campaign. Despite this daring task, Edeline believes that she can successfully complete her quest.

“While the human body seemingly has its limitations, the Mission Possible is set to prove that we can achieve more than we could ever dream, if only we set our minds to it and dare to try. Taking on daring tasks from scaling mountains to buildings, enduring rough terrain to surviving in the wild for a week with no help, I intend to push my body to the limit all for the love of the children who deserve a better shot in life,” explains the brave Edeline.

Edeline hopes that this cause will do more than simply raising awareness but she also hopes that it will motivate people to reach out and offer support in her cause.

“There are more than three million orphans in South Africa, yet I believe that there’s no such thing as an unwanted child, it’s rather a case of an unfound family. I hope this movement will encourage others to offer a helping a helping hand”, she adds.

Newkidz’s general manager Hilda de Beer, hopes that Edeline’s efforts will not go unnoticed. She hopes that people will responds positively to this campaign and hopefully encourage them to consider adoption.

"If just one child is adopted from a children's home into a loving family as a result of the awareness that Edeline is creating, then this campaign will be worthwhile”, explains the hopeful Hilda.

This is not the first time that Edeline is doing something this noble. Not so long ago she led a large group of activists up Lion's Head Mountain to raise funds for Newkidz. Furthermore, she has successfully completed both the Comrades marathon and the Two Oceans, and is constantly in training, although that said, this double marathon distance is something that she has never attempted.

Edeline’s belief is that orphans are better off in families than in children's homes, orphanages or places of safety. This belief has contributed to her bravery, but it’s the fact that she’s a woman who is willing to go an extra mile just so her voice can be heard on behalf of the many unfortunate children in South Africa, that makes her remarkable.

“I believe that children are better off in families than in children's homes, or orphanages or places of safety. My aim is to encourage others to help to make this possible”, she adds with a smile.

With the growing stats of orphans in South Africa, it’s only much that the likes of Edeline or Newkidz can do to turn things around for the better. As President Bill Clinton says,” We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more”.

People inspired to offer support or get involved in the campaign they can take action by clicking on Edeline’s link on the website www.newkidz.org.za , making a donation or adding a comment of encouragement. For more information contact Hilda De Beer on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abram Molelemane is a third year journalism student at the Tshwane University of Technology. He has written for various publications such as Wealthwise magazine and Reckord newspaper. In 2011 he was nominated for the Reckord print journalist of the year award. He is currently a media officer at Fetola.