The Touch Africa initiative was started by Eastern Cape based Red Cherry Adventures, who since 2004, became more involved in Humanitarian based initiatives.

The concept of Touch Africa was borne out of another charitable cause, namely Enduro India. Owner of Red Cherry Adventures, Mike Glover, who has been riding off-road motorcycles for many years, participated in the Enduro India ride. 100 motorcycle riders from all over the world each raised 4000 pounds for a ride through Kerala in India. Part of their monies purchased a Royal Enfield Bike. The bikes were donated to WWF, Palliative Care and St Mary’s Hospital, who in turn sold the bikes to raise money for their various humanitarian projects. The experience of Enduro India prompted Red Cherry to embark on Enduro Africa, the first of which was held in October 2006.

In 2006 this initiative saw 100 bikes being donated through Riders for Health to doctors and health care workers in Zimbabwe and R100 000 being ploughed into ten projects, which are being run through Rotary International across the Eastern Cape.

Red Cherry Adventures, felt the need to do more for South Africa through the vehicle of television and this is how Touch Africa came into being.


BACKGROUND

Touch Africa is a home grown concept, aimed at alleviating the crises in education and health care sectors across South Africa with particular emphasis on rehabilitating facilities.

The 2007 initiative was the first of its kind to take place in South Africa and started off in the Eastern Cape. Working hand in hand with the Cacadu Municipality, five areas in the Baviaanskloof Municipal District, were designated to receive assistance, as they were the areas in the most dire need of assistance.

Future projects will be moving to each province in the country ensuring that we reach as many people as possible. Our partners include our sister company’s Red Cherry Television, Red Cherry Productions and Mnet. Other media partners will be broad, including Radio, TV, Print and Outdoor.