Former homeless man takes on 21km marathon to inspire change in Cape Town

A former rough sleeper is using his own journey from homelessness towards independence to encourage Capetonians to rethink how they help people living on the streets, ***Cape {town} Etc ***reports.

Alex Swartz is running 21km in the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon on Sunday, 18 October, as part of Stride To Survive, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about homelessness and encouraging donations to organisations that provide structured support.

His marathon forms part of a 21-day challenge during which he has been running or walking every day to highlight the realities faced by people living on Cape Town’s streets and show that rebuilding a life is possible with the right support.

From rough sleeping to rebuilding a life

Having experienced homelessness himself, Swartz understands that getting off the streets is only the beginning of a much longer journey.

According to the City of Cape Town, Swartz has accessed free, structured assistance through its network of care. The support has helped him work towards developing the skills, confidence and experience needed to move towards independence.

His story highlights the reality that homelessness is not always resolved by providing a meal or a place to sleep for one night. Lasting change can require sustained assistance, personal commitment and access to services that help people address the challenges keeping them on the streets.

The City launched Stride To Survive to bring greater attention to this journey and encourage residents to support shelters and organisations that help people work towards reintegration.

Why the City wants residents to give responsibly

According to the City of Cape Town, people living on the streets can walk as far as 21km in a day while searching for food, work, social services and somewhere safe to sleep. That daily struggle inspired the distance behind Swartz’s challenge.

The City is urging residents to give responsibly by supporting registered shelters and organisations, rather than relying solely on direct handouts.

Donations can help provide immediate necessities, including hot meals, safe accommodation and access to showers. They can also support longer-term services such as counselling, rehabilitation, life-skills development and vocational training.

These interventions form part of a coordinated approach involving the City, shelters, partner organisations and residents, to provide support that respects each person’s dignity and individual circumstances.

‘Alex’s challenge is a powerful reminder that leaving the street is rarely a single step.’

– Councillor Francine Higham, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Higham encouraged Capetonians to support organisations offering structured services, saying donations can address immediate needs while helping people access the assistance required to build more independent lives.

‘Even if it’s one life’

Swartz hopes his challenge will do more than raise funds and awareness. He also wants people experiencing homelessness to see that change is possible and that support is available.

‘Even if it’s one life that I can change with this campaign, that will be more than enough for me.’

– Alex Swartz

His message is also a reminder that people experiencing homelessness have individual stories and circumstances, and that meaningful support goes beyond the moment of giving.

The City is encouraging donations to registered organisations and shelters in and around Cape Town. Supporting these services can help connect people with both immediate relief and opportunities to work towards a more stable future.

How to support Stride To Survive

Residents can follow the campaign through the City of Cape Town’s social media platforms or keep up with Alex’s journey on Instagram and TikTok at @alexsean.swartz.

More information about homelessness support services is available here.

Swartz’s 21km challenge puts a human face to a difficult social issue. Its wider message is that helping someone move beyond homelessness takes more than a single act of kindness; it requires access to support, opportunities to rebuild and a community willing to help make those opportunities possible.

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**Picture: **The City of Cape Town / Facebook

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