Meet Gerhard Moolman. He's crossing the Atlantic solo to raise R200k for abandoned children

Lester Kiewit interviews Gerhard Moolman, CEO of Alternative Lighting and Technical Solutions Africa (ALTSA).

Listen below.

Gerhard Moolman is currently somewhere in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, drifting between Africa and South America in a tiny vessel that would likely trigger heart palpitations in anyone with thalassophobia – the fear of being surrounded by deep, open water.

Moolman embarked on his journey from Cape Verde on 30 November, aiming to reach Cayenne in French Guiana within 45 days.

A seasoned adventurer, Moolman is no stranger to pushing his limits.

In 2002, he set a Guinness World Record for the longest solo journey on a surf ski, paddling 6,152 kilometres from Hout Bay to Lamu, Kenya – a record that stood unbroken for two decades.

"I've got adventure in my blood."

- Gerhard Moolman, CEO – Alternative Lighting and Technical Solutions Africa

What sets his current journey apart from the rest, is that he's raising R200,000 for the Door of Hope Children’s Mission, a South African charity that provides care and support to abandoned babies and children.

"It is shocking to know in South Africa the state of the moral values that we've got now... We've got abandoned babies on a daily basis, and dozens of them, and my contribution to this country is to stand up and say, 'Guys, come, we have to take hands and make this place work!'. And we have to start at the bottom, at the worst."

- Gerhard Moolman, CEO – Alternative Lighting and Technical Solutions Africa

Throughout his current journey, Moolman has been sharing video updates on Facebook, offering followers a glimpse into his remarkable and daring adventure.

To follow his journey, click here.

To donate, click here.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.