Why Are We Doing It?
For Darin Samuels, author of Seven Shades of Purple, this journey is deeply personal. As a survivor and advocate against gender-based violence (GBV), Darin has spent many years raising awareness about the impact of violence, promoting healing from trauma, and exploring the often-overlooked issue of the father wound. The emotional, psychological, and societal consequences of absent, disconnected, or damaged father-child relationships.
Together with his son, Devon, this rally becomes more than an overland adventure. It is a living demonstration of positive fatherhood, healing, accountability, and intergenerational leadership. Their journey highlights the transformative power of healthy father-son relationships and the important role that men can play in creating safer communities and ending violence against women and children.
The expedition also serves as a tribute to the often-forgotten women who stood behind some of Africa’s greatest explorers. Along the route, Darin and Devon will honour women such as Mary Livingstone, Gill Holgate, and Sheelagh Antrobus. Partners whose courage, sacrifice, resilience, and support helped make extraordinary journeys possible. Their stories remind us that behind many great achievements stand remarkable women whose contributions deserve recognition and remembrance.
At its heart, however, this journey is also about something wonderfully simple: a father and son spending meaningful time together. Sharing adventures, overcoming challenges, learning from one another, creating lifelong memories, and celebrating the joy of exploring Africa together. Because healing matters, because fathers matter, because women matter and because every great journey is ultimately about the people we travel with and the lives we touch along the way
The calabash of TEARS
At the heart of this expedition is a unique and deeply symbolic vessel: The Calabash of Tears.
Throughout Africa, the calabash has long been a symbol of community, nourishment, storytelling, and shared humanity. For this journey, it takes on an even more profound meaning, becoming a vessel of remembrance, resilience, healing, and hope.
Before the rally begins, Darin and Devon will visit several survivors of gender-based violence. In a simple but powerful ceremony, each survivor will be invited to pour a small amount of water into the Purple Calabash. The water represents their tears, the pain they have endured, the strength they have shown, and the hope they carry for a future free from violence.
These symbolic tears will also represent the countless victims and survivors whose stories are never told, whose voices are never heard, and whose struggles often remain hidden from the world. As the rally travels through Southern and East Africa, the Calabash of Tears will become a powerful conversation starter. It will invite communities to reflect on the human cost of violence, while encouraging dialogue, understanding, accountability, and collective action. Along the route, people will be invited to add their own symbolic tears to the calabash. Whether in memory of someone they have lost, in solidarity with survivors, or as a personal commitment to building safer families and communities.
The journey will culminate in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Historically, Bagamoyo was one of the most significant departure points of the East African slave trade. For many who passed through its shores, it became known as the “Place of Tears”. A final point of departure from home, family, freedom, and hope. It is here, at the edge of the Indian Ocean, that the Calabash of Tears will be emptied. In a ceremony of remembrance, release, and renewal, the water gathered throughout the expedition will be returned to the sea. This act will symbolize letting go of pain, embracing healing, choosing forgiveness, and carrying forward a renewed commitment to dignity, compassion, and justice.
The Calabash of Tears reminds us that while suffering may begin with an individual, healing begins with a community, and that every tear acknowledged is a step toward hope.
Raising Funds for the TEARS Foundation
The Africa Rally 2026 is more than an adventure, it is a purpose-driven expedition dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the TEARS Foundation, one of South Africa’s leading organisations supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic abuse, sexual violence, and violence against women and children.
This remarkable father-and-son journey transforms an overland expedition across Africa into a platform for advocacy, education, healing, and hope.
Through every kilometre travelled, Darin and Devon aim to shine a spotlight on the devastating impact of gender-based violence, the importance of healthy relationships, and the role that fathers, families, and communities can play in creating a safer future for women and children.
Every Rand Makes a Difference
Darin and Devon are funding their own Africa Rally expedition.
They are not seeking sponsorship for their travel expenses, vehicle costs, accommodation, fuel, or personal participation in the rally.
100% of every donation made through this campaign goes directly to the TEARS Foundation.
Your contribution helps TEARS provide crisis intervention, counselling, advocacy, and support services to survivors of abuse and violence, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope. We invite you to show your support by making a donation to the TEARS Foundation and becoming part of this journey. Together, we can transform a journey across Africa into a journey of healing, awareness, remembrance, and hope.
One journey. One purpose. Countless lives impacted.