Sixty kilometres of hope for Philippolis children
What makes 'Love Philippolis' unique is its commitment to being rooted in the town it serves.
On Saturday, September 27, the small Free State town of Philippolis was anything but quiet. As the sun rose over the veld, a group of determined runners set off from neighbouring Trompsburg with one goal in mind: to bring hope and resources to the children of Philippolis.
Led by local teacher and project lead, Cornel Smuts, the group covered 60 kilometres, their feet pounding the tar as steadily as their message of change.
For Smuts, who had trained alongside learners from Bergmanshoogte Primary and community members, the event became a symbol of something far greater than fundraising. Shoes and socks had been donated to the children who joined in, reflecting the shared spirit of a town invested in its future.
When the runners entered Philippolis, they were met with an overwhelming sight: the main street filled with people cheering them on, lining the road with applause and a sense of togetherness that is rare even in small communities. For Smuts, the moment was deeply personal.
“It all started with the idea of raising money for Bergmanshoogte Primary and our new Love Philippolis Early Childhood and Community Centre. I realised I could not give all the funds myself for everything that was needed, but I was blessed with a healthy body from above, and I could use it. From there it all grew quickly, and the support was incredible. People from far and near contributed and worked together to make this day a success," Smuts explained in a social media post after the event, and continued: "Yesterday morning, standing at the start in Trompsburg with everyone there supporting us, I realised it was no longer just about raising money. It became about the unity of people, the collaboration, and the support of the idea in so many different ways. When we arrived in Philippolis and saw the whole main street filled with supporters, I knew that was the real success of the day."
He also reserved heartfelt gratitude for his wife, Tanya Cilliers Smuts, who drove behind him for the entire 60 kilometres. The day coincided with the couple’s first wedding anniversary, making the event as much a celebration of love and partnership as it was of community spirit.
"The final stop at Bergmanshoogte, where all the schoolchildren ran with us, made my heart unbelievably happy. Thank you, truly, to every person who helped or just showed their support. The day was successful for our town and for both our projects,” said Smuts.
A community cause
The funds raised through the run will benefit two initiatives: Bergmanshoogte Primary School and the soon-to-open Love Philippolis Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Community Centre.
At Bergmanshoogte, donations will go toward essential items such as laptops, projectors, and netball attire, as well as school and national flags - resources that might sound ordinary, but that play an extraordinary role in helping learners feel equipped and valued.
The heart of the fundraising effort lies in the vision for the Love Philippolis ECD Centre, set to open in January 2026. This initiative is a bold step toward changing the trajectory of education in the town.
Why Early Childhood Development matters
Countless children across South Africa enter school already at a disadvantage. Without access to quality early childhood education between the ages of three and six, many begin Grade 1 without the foundational skills needed to thrive.
As research has shown, once learners fall behind in those critical years, it is extremely difficult for them to catch up.
Philippolis has seen this challenge first-hand. The new centre aims to address it directly by providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and develop before formal schooling begins.
The plans for the centre are ambitious but grounded in community need. Renovations to an already-secured building will transform it into a child-friendly space with playground equipment, educational toys, safety systems such as cameras and alarms, and resources that lay the foundation for structured early learning.
Rooted in Philippolis
What makes Love Philippolis unique is its commitment to being rooted in the town it serves. Not only will the centre serve children, but it also plans to employ and train local residents. This means the project will not just educate the next generation but also equip adults with skills and create jobs to weave sustainability into its very fabric.
Director Francois du Toit emphasised that the centre’s mission goes beyond academics. It is about instilling values, fostering opportunity, and reminding children that they are valued and deserving of a bright future.
“With the right support, we can offer our children the best education possible from the very beginning,” Du Toit wrote in a recent appeal for donations.
The tarred road ahead
The road from Trompsburg to Philippolis was long, but in many ways, it was only the beginning. The run demonstrated how shared effort can turn a dream into reality.
From businesses and individuals already pledging their support to school children running alongside Smuts, the initiative has already proven that Philippolis is united behind its children.
As the Love Philippolis Early Childhood Development Centre prepares to open its doors, the hope is that this spirit of collaboration will carry forward and secure the centre’s sustainability for years to come.
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