This trip marked the start of another journey into Zimbabwe, carrying with us not just parcels of food and supplies, but the reminder that our pensioners are never forgotten. Each box packed represents more than essentials — it is a gesture of dignity, care, and love from those who give so generously to make these trips possible.
As always, the planning and preparation took weeks of work, with countless details needing to be checked before the vehicles could roll out. From the paperwork to the packing, from the truck checks to the route planning, every step ensures that what begins as a convoy on South African soil becomes a lifeline in Zimbabwe.
With the vehicles ready and spirits high, the team set out, each of us aware that while the road ahead may be long and challenging, the reward at the end of it is far greater.
Thursday 21 August 2025
We departed Malelane at 8:15am, with Neels and I in the truck, and Johan and Frans in the bakkie. The journey took us along the N4 and then onto the R538, through White River and Hazyview where we stopped for a quick bite. From there we travelled the long stretch through Bushbuckridge, stopped briefly in Tzaneen, and then continued to Louis Trichardt, arriving at 5pm.
Our overnight stop was at The Gateway Inn, where we received a very warm welcome. The staff were friendly, the food excellent, and it was a comfortable and quiet evening to rest before tackling the border the following morning.
Friday 22 August 2025
We left Louis Trichardt at 4:50am, making a short stop in Musina before heading to the border. Johan and Neels continued in the truck, while Frans and I travelled in the bakkie. The smaller vehicle cleared the Beitbridge border around 8am, while the truck faced a much longer wait, only coming through just before midday.
Once through the border we set off on the stretch towards Bulawayo. The stretch included eight roadblocks, with some badly maintained sections, especially along the dirt road where the truck struggled to reach even 10km/h. The road improved heading towards West Nicholson and Gwanda, and despite the challenges, both vehicles made it safely. Frans and I arrived at Caroline and Willem’s by 2pm, while the truck reached the warehouse at 7pm after a long day on the road.
That evening, Caroline and Willem welcomed us into their home. Supper was a delicious plate of Caroline’s pasta — a real highlight after the day’s travels. The evening was spent quietly with good company, laughter, and even a special treat when Candice introduced us to her litter of Collie puppies, much to everyone’s delight. Their warmth and hospitality made us feel instantly at home.
Sunday 24 August 2025
We left Bulawayo around midday, heading for Gweru, and arrived just after 3pm. The roads were in fair condition, and it was an uneventful but steady drive. On arrival we were warmly met by Bruce Chilcott, who assisted us with parking the truck and showed us to our rooms at Boggles Trust. Supper was simple but satisfying — wors rolls — and we spent a relaxed evening preparing for the start of deliveries the next morning.
Monday 25 August 2025
The day began at 6:45am as we offloaded boxes at Boggles Trust, with Bruce again lending a helping hand. Ricky arrived to collect additional parcels, and everything went smoothly. From there, the day unfolded into a series of important stops:
- Redcliff – greeted by Carol Ferrera and the residents of Herbert Lee Cottages, all smiles as boxes were distributed.
- Kwekwe – welcomed at Lynbrook Homes by Ann and Dee, where helpers offered tea and cookies.
- Kadoma – met with Elaine, Chinky, and Del, who proudly showed us their 48-bed veggie patch.
- Chegutu (Greenways) – assisted by Chairman Brad Phybis and his team, with Rory carefully checking deliveries and empties.
- Chinhoyi (Sunningdale) – the biggest drop so far, managed by Heather, who oversaw the admin and coordinated many helpful hands in the offloading.
It was a long day of travel and distribution, ending with a scrumptious pork roast at Heather and Denis’ home. Later, we enjoyed their warm company before settling in at Johan’s home, where a peaceful night’s rest was most welcome.
Tuesday 26 August 2025
We departed Chinhoyi at 6:30am, stopping first in Harare to offload 104 boxes with the help of a well-organised team. From there, we travelled to Marondera, where we met Peter Banks, who spoiled us with his legendary crunchies — a sweet treat and warm company all around.
We stopped at Vic’s depot at Concrete Structures, where his generous fuel donation helped keep the trip running smoothly. Such contributions make an enormous difference in ensuring the Fund can reach every stop on schedule.
The highlight of the journey was my first-ever Surrey pie — beef and onion — and words truly fail to capture how delicious it was. From there we pushed on to Rusape, arriving at 2:30pm. At Resthaven, we were treated to cakes, sandwiches, and warm conversation with the residents. Our thanks to Tony for overseeing the delivery checks and ensuring all the boxes were correctly distributed.
The evening was one of fellowship and comfort, with a warm bed provided by Resthaven for the night.
Wednesday 27 August 2025
We left Rusape at 6:30am, heading first for Mutare, where Des and Sally Bekker and their team welcomed us. With 115 boxes to offload, their help was invaluable. Sally spoiled us with bacon and egg rolls — a much-needed treat as we prepared for the long road to Masvingo.
Our day ended at Pioneer Cottages, where Sister Connie and her team had organised a lovely sweet-and-sour pork lunch. The staff ensured we were settled into comfortable accommodation, for which we were very grateful. That evening brought a special personal moment when Neels reconnected with his former high-school geography teacher, Jimmy Miller — a moving reminder of the personal connections tied into these journeys.
Thursday 28 August 2025
We got up very early to leave for Zvishavane, where two boxes were waiting to be delivered. Mike Timvios’s Driver met us to collect them for delivery.
From there we headed for the mountain pass towards Shurugwe, it was a horrible stretch of road, but the truck made it safely. It was lovely to meet Colin Bell, Martha Daily, and the rest of the residents.
Then onto Gweru where Bruce assisted us with loading the empty boxes before heading to Bulawayo to meet Tinashe, who had arranged a fuel donation. From there, we offloaded at the warehouse before heading to Caroline and Willem’s home for a well-earned rest after a long day.
Friday 29 August 2025
A rest day in Bulawayo gave us the chance to pause after the intense week of travel and deliveries. The day was made memorable with a game of bowls shared with Willem, Johan, and their families. Supper was a traditional braai, with pap and sauce that was second to none — a true taste of home and fellowship after a week on the road.
Saturday 30 August 2025
We left Bulawayo at 6am, bound for Louis Trichardt. The roads along the way were some of the worst we had encountered on the entire trip, making it a slow and exhausting journey. Still, border formalities went relatively smoothly, and by 4:30pm the truck had reached Louis Trichardt.
As always, The Gateway Inn provided a warm welcome and a comfortable overnight stay, a fitting last stop before heading back to Malelane.
Sunday 31 August 2025
Our final day began at 6am, retracing our route from Louis Trichardt back to Malelane, where we arrived at 1:30pm. After days on the road and countless deliveries completed, it was good to be home, knowing that so many pensioners across Zimbabwe had once again received their parcels of love and care.
As we draw this trip report to a close, it is important to pause and recognise the people who make every journey possible. Each trip may look like a convoy of vehicles carrying boxes and supplies, but behind it is an extraordinary team whose dedication ensures that everything runs like clockwork.
To Johan, our captain of the ship, thank you for steering the logistics and ensuring that both the truck and the bakkie moved together through every challenge along the way. Your calm oversight is the anchor that holds the trip steady.
To Linda and Michelle, thank you for the mountain of preparation that takes place long before we set out. From SARS clearances to stock controls, emergency details, and endless paperwork, your behind-the-scenes work is the foundation on which every delivery rests.
And to Frans, thank you for your steady presence on the road, your guidance, and the countless ways you help keep things moving, both practically and personally.
Finally, to all who support, sponsor, and donate to the Zimbabwe Pensioners Support Fund: this work is only possible because of your generosity. Every parcel delivered is a reflection of your kindness, and every smile we see is made possible by you.
Together, this team embodies professionalism, compassion, and dedication. It is a privilege to be part of such an effort, and with each trip we are reminded that what we do is more than logistics — it is dignity, love, and hope delivered where it is needed most.
Head office South Africa contact details:
Linda Schultz – linda@zpsf.co.za / zpsf@zpsf.onmicrosoft.com – (C) 079 6082676
Johan Schultz – johan@zpsf.co.za – (C) 082 4979328
Section 21 Co Reg. 2007/034036/08; NPO Number 096733; Section 18A PBO No 930031642
