ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Join Baleka Nathi in exploring Johannesburg's beauty while staying fit! 🏃♀️ Our accompanied runs celebrate movement, sustainability, and the spirit of South Africa.
Baleka Nathi (“run with us”) is embarking on an exciting six-month proof-of-concept pilot to introduce safe accompanied runs for active visitors in Johannesburg.
Support us on Jumpstarter Crowdfunding and be part of our journey to empower youth through fitness and pride in our country.
OUR GOAL
Our goals is to raise R45 000 to kickstart this initiative, allowing us to grow the Baleka Nathi team, expand our client base, and increase the variety of routes and areas on offer. With your support, and in partnership with local NGO U-Turn, we will hire and upskill two to three local guides, providing them with stipends and a percentage of tour revenue. These guides, young locals who have overcome adversity, will offer unique insights into Johannesburg's vibrant culture and history, making each run a memorable experience.
Baleka Nathi aims to promote fitness, celebrate the beauty of Johannesburg, empower guides to share their stories, and provide visitors to the city with an authentic South African experience.
Funds raised will cover training, launch expenses, operational costs, and customer acquisition efforts. With an aggressive marketing strategy involving social media ads, Google ads, and grassroots efforts, we will reach our ideal customer profile: active visitors of all ages looking to experience the city through fitness.
Join us in creating a positive impact on both visitors and locals, as we pave the way for a healthier, more connected Johannesburg.
THE BACKGROUND
As the founder of Baleka Nathi, I am thrilled to embark on this Jumpstarter project to take our vision to the next level. My name is Katlego Moanakoena, and the journey to establishing Baleka Nathi has been deeply personal. Having struggled with my mental health over the years, I found solace on early morning runs through the streets of Johannesburg, a feeling of community among the people I have met along the way, and in Baleka Nathi, a sense of purpose. Again and again, I have connected with people who have similar stories to mine, and though the details of these stories may be different, a recurring theme is the role that running has played in an effort to heal. I understand the challenges many face, which is why I am passionate about creating opportunities for others to find purpose and healing through movement.
The idea for Baleka Nathi began during my time working at a Johannesburg guesthouse. Visitors to the guesthouse would see me returning from a run and many expressed an interest in exploring the city on foot but felt hesitant to do so alone. I began taking guests on runs with me as I trained for my first marathon, and very soon realised that there was a high demand for the service I was offering. Thus, @balekanathi was born on Instagram, offering accompanied runs to visitors seeking to experience Johannesburg's beauty while staying active. Now, as we embark on this Jumpstarter campaign, I am excited to scale our operation, empowering more individuals and communities along the way.
Additionally, I'm currently preparing for my first Comrades Marathon on June 9th, 2024. Training has been both challenging and rewarding, serving as a fun and hopefully inspirational part of this journey. Your support in this Jumpstarter project will not only help us reach our goals but also contribute to the broader mission of Baleka Nathi. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!
THE PLAN
YOUR REWARDS
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Reward #1 = Early Supporter
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- Pledge Amount: R250
- Reward #1 = Starter's Stride: Join us in taking the first stride toward realizing our vision!
- Personalized Thank-You Email from the founder, Katlego Moanakoena, expressing gratitude for supporting the project at its early stages.
- Additionally, backers will receive a digital Baleka Nathi postcard featuring stunning images of Johannesburg.
- With your pledge of R250, you'll receive a heartfelt thank you message from our team, recognizing your invaluable support.
- Every step counts, and your contribution brings us closer to creating unforgettable running experiences in Johannesburg.
- Together, we'll make strides toward promoting fitness, exploration, and community engagement.
- Thank you for being a part of our journey!
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Reward #2 = Exclusive Merchandise Package"
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- Pledge Amount: R500
- In addition to the rewards from Level 1,
- backers will receive an exclusive Baleka Nathi merchandise package, including a branded water bottle and a high-quality Baleka Nathi T-shirt featuring the company logo.
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Reward #3 = VIP Guided Tour Experience
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- Pledge Amount: R1500
- Backers at this level will receive all rewards from Levels 1 and 2,
- plus an exclusive VIP guided tour experience with Katlego Moanakoena himself.
- This personalized tour will include a scenic run through Johannesburg, accompanied by Katlego, followed by a post-run coffee or refreshments at a local café, where backers can chat with Katlego and learn more about his vision for Baleka Nathi.
Updates
We are overjoyed to announce that the Baleka Nathi Jumpstarter campaign has successfully reached its funding goal, and it's all thanks to your incredible support!
Your generous contributions have propelled us over the finish line, allowing us to transform our vision into reality. With your backing, Baleka Nathi will continue to grow as a social enterprise, dedicated to uplifting young people with mental health challenges while showcasing the beauty and culture of Johannesburg and South Africa.
Your belief in our mission means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your trust and support. We look forward to sharing our journey with you and making a meaningful impact together.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support.
Warmest regards,
Katlego Moanakoena
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Project FAQ
Who am I?
- I am Katlego Moanakoena, the founder of Baleka Nathi.
- As a passionate runner and explorer of Johannesburg, I have embarked on a mission to share the beauty and vibrancy of our city with visitors through safe and guided running experiences.
- With a personal journey that mirrors that of our guides, I am committed to creating meaningful opportunities for both our team and our clients.
- Join me in this exciting venture to explore Johannesburg, stay fit, and support our community
Where are we based?
- Johannesburg, South Africa
Why Crowdfunding?
- We are crowdfunding to kickstart the next phase of Baleka Nathi's journey!
- By raising funds through this campaign, we aim to expand our operations, train and upskill our guides, and enhance our services to provide unforgettable running experiences in Johannesburg.
- Your support will help us grow our impact, empower our guides, and continue sharing the beauty of our city with visitors from around the world.
- Join us in shaping the future of Baleka Nathi and promoting fitness, exploration, and community engagement
What is the plan once 100% funding is received?
- Initial Team Hiring: Even before reaching 100% funding, we will start hiring and upskilling 1-2 Baleka Guides to kickstart our operations. These guides will undergo training to ensure they can deliver exceptional running tours.
- Training and Upskilling: We will allocate a portion of the funds to train and upskill our guides, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise needed to provide insightful and engaging tours of Johannesburg.
- Launch Preparation: Funds will be used to cover essential launch expenses, including marketing materials, website development, and promotional activities to create awareness and attract potential customers.
- Operational Setup: With the funds received, we will set up the necessary infrastructure for our operations, including acquiring equipment, securing transportation, and obtaining insurance coverage.
- Customer Acquisition: A portion of the funds will be allocated towards customer acquisition efforts, such as targeted marketing campaigns and outreach activities to generate interest and bookings for our running tours.
- Tour Development: We will begin developing our tour offerings, designing routes, planning durations, and curating unique experiences to cater to different customer preferences and interests.
- Guide Revenue Share: A percentage of the revenue generated from tours will be allocated to our guides, incentivizing them to deliver exceptional service and ensuring their commitment to the success of Baleka Nathi.
- Continuous Improvement: We will use feedback from initial tours to continually refine and improve our offerings, ensuring that each customer experience exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
By executing this plan, we will be able to launch Baleka Nathi's operations efficiently and effectively, providing memorable running experiences while empowering local guides and celebrating the vibrant city of Johannesburg.
