With early treatment, children born with clubfoot can lead active, joyful lives. Join the #StepItUp Challenge and help make a difference.
Image: supplied
The finale of the #StepItUp Challenge will happen this Saturday in support of children born with clubfoot, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 children in Southern and East Africa.
The campaign, aligned with Disability Awareness Month, is set to raise over R300,000 for STEPS Clubfoot Care, a non-profit organisation that provides treatment for children with this condition.
The challenge builds on the success of last year’s campaign, which raised more than R230,000.
The final will be hosted by the Blue Route Mall in Cape Town.
Last year, South African Paralympic gold medallist Mpumelelo Mhlongo and "Britain’s Got Talent" finalist Musa Motha participated in the TikTok challenge to help spread awareness.
Clubfoot, where one or both feet are twisted inward and pointed downward, can be corrected in over 90% of cases through early treatment. Research reported that if untreated it can lead to lifelong disabilities.
STEPS uses The Ponseti Method, a non-invasive treatment, which is used to help children with this condition.
Mhlongo, who was born with clubfoot, and Motha, who lost his left leg to cancer as a child, will once again lead the charge in this year’s campaign.
They are calling on South Africans to join the dance challenge and raise awareness of the treatable condition.
"I have been incredibly fortunate to be a firsthand witness of the phenomenal work STEPS does. It has fundamentally changed my outlook on life," Mhlongo said.
"It serves as a reminder of how easily we can beat the odds and empower the children of today to be the future leaders that we need for South Africa to realise its potential."
Motha also emphasised the importance of believing in possibilities: "I often say Musa doesn’t believe in the word impossible; I break the word into two: ‘'IM’ and ‘POSSIBLE’. This sends the message that everything is possible if you really try hard."
STEPS was founded in 2005 by Karen Moss, whose own son was born with clubfoot.
The organisation introduced the Ponseti Method to Southern Africa and is now the leading support network for children with the condition across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and the Seychelles.
"I’ve seen far too often how children and adults with clubfoot are shunned by their families and communities, wrongly believing it to be an untreatable disability," Moss said.
“The #StepItUp Challenge is more than just a dance; it’s a movement to raise awareness about clubfoot and its solution. We aim to raise crucial funds, allowing children to walk, run, attend school, play sports, and fully embrace life — including the joy of dancing."
For R2,500, one child can receive treatment over four years, enabling them to live a full, active life.
To take part in the #StepItUp Challenge, participants can create dance videos on TikTok using the hashtag #StepItUpChallenge or join the in-person event on Saturday.
IOL