Johannesburg, 27 January 2026 – The 2025 Seven7 Drive for Kids with Cancer set out with the precision of a decade’s experience, yet proved that even the best-laid plans can be upended. What started as a carefully orchestrated seven-day journey across South Africa quickly faced its first challenge: co-founder and expedition leader Danie Botha and renowned filmmaker Koos Roets learned that fellow driver Ahsheem Singh had been sidelined by a cycling accident. “There was no chance he could join us in Durban, never mind tackle 5,000 km around the country,” recalls Botha. “We were down to one driver and one videographer—but we carried on.”
From that first hospital visit at Charlotte Maxeke in Johannesburg, the team pressed forward, visiting paediatric wards in Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Kimberley, and Polokwane, before concluding at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria. Along the way, the mission to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer never wavered.
Performance Meets Purpose
The 2025 Drive was made smoother thanks to the partnership with GWM South Africa. Botha highlights the role of the GWM P300 LS: “The cabin was extremely comfortable for long hours on the road, while the permanent four-wheel drive inspired confidence on wet, muddy, and gravel-strewn roads. Even with a transfer case and rear differential lock on standby, we never needed them.”
Driving conditions varied widely—from the congested N3 leading to Durban to mountain passes, roadworks in the Western Cape, and the expansive roads of the Northern Cape. Despite challenging overtaking scenarios, the P300’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox averaged just 8.8 litres per 100 km, proving that performance and efficiency can go hand in hand even under pressure.
Join the Journey on Ignition
A 30-minute documentary, filmed by Koos Roets, captures the spirit, challenges, and triumphs of the 2025 Seven7 Drive. It will air on Ignition from 26 January to 1 February 2026 at the following times:
- Monday, 26 January: 01:00 and 05:00
- Tuesday, 27 January: 09:00 and 21:00
- Wednesday, 28 January: 06:00 and 18:00
- Thursday, 29 January: 13:00 and 23:00
- Friday, 30 January: 15:00
- Saturday, 31 January: 01:00 and 19:00
- Sunday, 1 February: 07:00
“The Seven7 Drive for Kids with Cancer NPC continues to focus on education and early detection, and while several new initiatives are already underway for 2026, the annual Drive remains our flagship fundraiser,” adds Botha.
Gratitude to Our Partners
The Drive’s success would not be possible without the support of both new and longstanding partners:
- GWM South Africa
- Wrap Vehicles
- Norma Jean’s Diner
- Assegaaibosch Country Hotel
As the 10th edition of the Seven7 Drive concludes, one thing is clear: resilience, determination, and partnership make a powerful combination in the fight against childhood cancer.
