A dance challenge that has so far raised more than R170 000 for clubfoot treatment kicked off at Blue Route Mall on Saturday.

The StepItUp dance challenge is aiming to raise R300 000, as part of National Disability Rights Awareness Month, held from November 3 to December 3.

South African Paralympic gold medallist Mpumelelo “Mpumi” Mhlongo and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Musa Motha, both of whom were at Blue Route on Saturday, are promoting the campaign, which is spearheaded by STEPS, a non-profit support organisation that improves the lives of children born with clubfoot.

The duo were the first to participate in last year’s TikTok challenge in an effort to raise awareness for clubfoot treatment. They both also featured in the Paris 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony with Mhlongo carrying the flag for South Africa and Motha performing a dance routine.

Children with clubfoot are born with one or both feet twisted inward and pointed downward (unilateral or bilateral), making the foot rigid and unable to return to the correct position.

According to STEPS, Southern and East African populations have a higher incidence of this treatable birth defect, which affects approximately 1 in 500 children.

Clubfoot can be corrected in over 90% of cases through a series of plaster casts and ongoing bracing. However, without prompt intervention, this condition can result in lifelong disabilities, pain and an uncomfortable appearance that may affect self-esteem and social interactions.

This year’s StepItUp challenge is driven by the message “I am possible”. Last year’s campaign raised over R230 000.

Born with clubfoot, Mhlongo says, “I have been incredibly fortunate to be a first-hand witness of the phenomenal work STEPS does. It has fundamentally changed my outlook on life. 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, who lost his left leg to cancer at the age of 10, adds: “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 by Karen Moss in 2005 after her son was born with the clubfoot condition. Since introducing the non-invasive Ponseti method to South Africa, Ms Moss has facilitated Ponseti training in Botswana, Namibia, and the Seychelles, revolutionising clubfoot treatment across Southern Africa.

“In running this NPO, 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. At STEPS, we are committed to changing that narrative, educating people that clubfoot doesn’t have to be a lifelong disability if effectively treated.

“By promoting the safe, non-invasive Ponseti method, we aim to raise crucial funds, allowing children to walk, run, attend school, play sports, and fully embrace life – including the joy of dancing,” says Ms Moss.

The STEPS Clubfoot Care Programme supports a network of specialist clinics offering comprehensive treatment. It costs R2 500 to support one child over four years of treatment.

The StepItUp Challenge invites everyone to get involved. Participants can create their own dance videos on TikTok using the hashtag #StepItUpChallenge and donate through BackaBuddy. Visit steps.org.za for more information.

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