Kia South Africa is once again taking part in the annual Seven7 Drive, a cross-country adventure aimed at raising awareness and support for children battling cancer. As the founding vehicle partner, Kia has supported this initiative since its inception, and 2024 marks the event’s 9th anniversary. This year, the Seven7 Drive is more significant than ever, aligning with global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
For 2024, Kia is hitting the road with two of its latest compact SUVs: the new Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos, both launched in South Africa earlier this year. These models boast refreshed interior and exterior styling, offering consumers exceptional value—traits that Paul Turnbull, CEO of Kia South Africa, believes will shine throughout this challenging journey. “While not your typical choice for a cross-country adventure, we’re confident that both models will handle the route with verve, irrespective of terrain,” Turnbull remarks.
A Route That Reaches Across South Africa
The Seven7 Drive, now a flagship fundraiser for the recently formed Seven7 Drive NPC, is embarking on a new route this year, spanning seven provinces. Starting at Johannesburg’s Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, the journey will criss-cross KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape, and Limpopo, concluding at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane on 21 September. Along the way, the drive will stop at key hospitals to deliver supplies and spread hope to young cancer patients.
Childhood cancer remains the second leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 14 worldwide, with as many as one in 408 children diagnosed by age 15. In South Africa, paediatric oncology units at academic hospitals strive to provide care, but low awareness around the benefits of early detection results in poor survival rates. The Seven7 Drive’s mission is to promote the importance of early detection while actively supporting children and their families at seven different hospitals.
A Broader Automotive Effort
For the first time in its nine-year history, Kia will be joined by fellow automotive brands Toyota, JEEP, and Hyundai in the Seven7 Drive. This year’s convoy will include a lineup of vehicles driven by a team of well-known figures from the South African motoring and media industries. Leading the charge is Danie Botha, co-founder of Seven7 Drive and owner of BoBo Productions, a company known for its television productions and adventure events. Joining him is IgnitionTV presenter and producer Ziphorah Masethe, rally legend Hannes Grobler, and ILS medic George Wright. A dedicated videography crew will document the entire adventure for broadcast on IgnitionTV, offering viewers an inside look at the drive’s challenges and triumphs.
Adventure Meets Purpose
Danie Botha notes the enduring spirit of the Seven7 Drive, commenting on the excitement of this year’s route, which steers clear of main roads in favor of more rugged terrain. “There have been reports about snow near Lesotho, so that could get interesting, especially in the front-wheel-drive vehicles. But an adventure is not an adventure without a few stories to tell, so we are up for the challenge,” Botha says.
Thanks to the collective expertise of the Seven7 Drive NPC board and growing support from the South African motoring industry, this year’s drive promises to expand its impact, delivering more aid and raising more awareness than ever before. With vehicles and drivers prepared for the unpredictable, Kia and its partners are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling cancer across the nation.
