We hear from two of our RLabs Champions, Tohierah Van Wyk and Nabeel Charles, as they reflect on their recent journey through the Central Karoo – where RLabs travelled to Beaufort West and Murraysburg, spreading hope and igniting connection.
From 22 to 25 April 2025, Tohierah joined the RLabs team on what became far more than a typical activation trip. Journeying into the heart of Beaufort West and Murraysburg, the experience unfolded as a profound reminder of how transformation begins where trust is built, and stories are shared.
Nabeel describes the Karoo as a place of stillness and strength. “There’s something timeless about the open skies and quiet roads,” he reflects. “This journey wasn’t just a visit – it was a return to a slower, more grounded way of life.”
Their arrival in Beaufort West was met with warmth, especially from community leaders like Kobus Klazen, whose deep-rooted presence opened doors to meaningful engagement. The workshops buzzed with life – from icebreakers to deep conversations about opportunity, dignity, and innovation. One highlight was a strategic dialogue with Kobus, which sparked momentum for long-term collaboration that felt both possible and urgent.
The team also connected with local stakeholders who offered rich insight into the realities of life in Beaufort West. The Opportunity Pop-up event was met with genuine enthusiasm, standing out as a moment where HOPE felt tangible and shared.
In Murraysburg – though smaller in size – the passion and sense of purpose were equally strong. The time spent there was deeply relational, from engagements with community anchors like BOZA, to an interactive “Map My Town” workshop. Residents, young and old, participated by visually mapping their community’s assets and needs – highlighting everything from the town’s only soup kitchen to youth-led sports clubs. It was a powerful act of storytelling through place.
During the Co-Creation Session, one message came through clearly: the hunger for change. But not just any change – one that is inclusive, rooted in community, and led by those who live it every day. Rather than arrive with pre-packaged solutions, the RLabs team co-created ideas alongside locals. As brochures were handed out and WhatsApp groups launched, it was evident this wasn’t an end – it was a beginning.
The journey through Beaufort West and Murraysburg gave the team a deeper appreciation for the resilience, warmth, and hope that define many rural communities. Despite limited resources and opportunities, these towns are filled with individuals eager to learn, grow, and build a better future together.
As Nabeel put it, “The experience left me humbled and inspired, reminding me not only of the importance of access and equity but also of the strength that lies within communities determined to create their own change.”
Tohierah echoed this sentiment: “Back in Cape Town, I carry the voices and visions of the people we met. Their hope fuels our mission. Because in places like Beaufort West and Murraysburg, innovation doesn’t start in labs – it starts with listening.”
