When the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled because of gale-force winds, 24,000 runners had to hang up their hopes for the day. For most, that meant heading home disappointed. But for Francois van Coke, the frontman of legendary rock band Fokofpolisiekar, it meant lacing up anyway.
“I wasn’t about to let that stop me,” Francois says. “I was running to raise funds for a new playground and jungle gym for the kids at ATKV Abbasorg Educare Centre in Cloetesville … and I’m determined to make it happen anyway.”
Francois decided to run 42 kilometres and challenge himself to raise R1 for every metre he ran, with the ambitious goal of reaching R42,000 for Breadline Africa, the non-profit organisation building early childhood education facilities across South Africa. The funds will give the children at Abbasorg a safe playground where they can play, climb and explore freely.
Then came the wind. The marathon starting point was damaged, water stations were blown apart and organisers had no choice but to cancel the race. “I ended up running myself around the suburbs,” he told Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast with Martin Bester, laughing. “I had to get rid of all the adrenaline somehow.”
What Francois didn’t know was that Jacaranda’s Good Morning Angels team was listening. On air, they surprised him with a R10, 000 donation toward his fundraising goal.
For Francois, the setback only sparked a new idea. “On 6 November 2025, the day of the official handover of the new centre, I will be running from Bellville to Cloetesville, to keep the momentum going,” he says. “A huge thanks to everyone who’s already helped me reach around 40% of my goal. Your support means the world and is what keeps me going. Let’s cross that finish line together.”
This is not his first run for a cause. In 2023, Francois ran the Two Oceans Half Marathon to help build classrooms for KIM Educare in Philippi. In 2024, he tackled the Two Oceans Ultra to fund a new library for Bonga Primary School in Langa. Now he is back at it; this time for the children of Cloetesville.
His relationship with Breadline Africa began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he and his band Fokofpolisiekar auctioned signed guitars to support the organisation’s feeding programme. What started as one act of generosity has grown into years of shared purpose and friendship.
For Breadline Africa, this is what collaboration looks like: artists, organisations and communities joining hands to give children a stronger start in life. “When people like Francois use their voice, and in this case, their legs, for good, the ripple effect is enormous,” said a Breadline Africa spokesperson. “Every metre he runs helps build not just a playground but a sense of hope.”
Francois ended with his familiar mix of humour and heart. “Last year, we built a library for the children of Bonga Primary School in Langa. Let’s do it again for Abbasorg. Every metre still counts. Let’s go!”
You can support Francois’ run and help give the children of Cloetesville a safe place to play at Francois van Coke – Running for a Playground.
Get more information on how to start your own fundraiser fro Breadline Africa here.
