The Sole of Africa - The landmine legacy

Hi everyone!
I suppose that few people are aware of the terrible tragedy that exists in the world today that can be exclusively blamed as a result of human actions. It isn't a disease, a natural disaster or global warming, it is a device that weighs a few pounds and can be held in your hand - the landmine.

Few people are aware that there are an estimated 100 million landmines buried in the ground today, these devices have been laid by humans to maim or kill their fellow human beings. Statistics show that every 19 minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is affected by a landmine, it is usually a mother or a child, they are either maimed or dead, either way it doesn't matter - it is horrific.


Princess Diana was hugely instrumental in bringing the issues of landmines to the public forum, so much so, that she can be credited with the drawing up of the Ottawa Treaty which bans the use and manufacture of landmines. Most countries have signed this treaty, but there are still some powerful nations that have not. Since her death the landmine issue has been placed on the backburner.

Most of Africa is affeted by landmines, and this is what the Sole of Africa is all about. The SOA campaign came about through the establishment of the Mineseeker Foundation in 2002, by Mike Kendrick, who wanted to continue with Princess Diana's legacy. By using sophisticated technology the Foundation can detect the presence of landmine from the air and at great speeds with accuracy. A human on the ground can clear 45sq.m a day, the technology 300sqm a second!.

Landmines do not only harm people, they also prevent these people from using agriculturally rich land from using to grow crops. They cannot use the land for roads, schools, factories for fear of landmines. By making the landsafe and returning the land back to the people, they can regain their dignity and build themselves sustainable lives.

Imagine "Africa feeding Africa" and this is what the Sole of Africa is all about. We want to and are busy creating sustainable agri-villages in Africa that will support communities and undder our mentorship program will teach other communities to do the same.

Be part of "Africa Got legs" program - our victim assistance program that we have developed to get the 19 000 estimated landmine victims in Mozambique back on prosthetic legs. We are looking at deploying mobile clincs and workshops into the rural regions of Mozambique to achive this.

The Sole of Africa is dependent on funding from businesses and people like you. If you want to get involved please let me know. Even just spreading the word is a great start!!! Donations can be made on our secure website portals.

More information can be found on our websites:
http://www.thesoleofafrica.org.za
http://www.africasgotlegs.org
http://www.thesoleofafrica.tv (Our Internet TV Channel)

If you belong to other social networks - please spread the word there, but whatever you do, put your foot down with us!
With peace, love and happiness
Kai