Driving The World For Peace - an “impossible journey” which started off in July 2008 in KwaZulu-Natal is nearing its end after more than 75 000 km.

Two South African adventurers, Ayob Vawda and Abdool Samath, stopped over in Louis Trichardt this week on the homeward leg of a journey, which they were told beforehand that it would be “impossible.”

Their extraordinary trip, which brought them some incredible adventures, took them through the Eastern part of Africa, several hot spots in the Middle East - including Iran and Yemen - and right through to India. They were turned away from the border of China, even though their visas were in order.

They have high praise for South Africa’s diplomatic missions in the countries they visited.

“Everywhere we received a very special welcome,” said Abdool. The foreign media, including television stations, also celebrated the two South Africans’ extraordinary exploit.

Apart from some tight situations at some borders (in Georgia they had to fake a medical emergency to convince the authorities to allow them through) and a shot-out back window of their vehicle, which is evidence of an attack by bandits in Kenya, they are enthusiastic and cheerful about their multi-facetted encounters and amazing experiences.

In Louis Trichardt, where they stopped over for refreshments in Eltivillas, their odometer registered a completed journey of 75 340km.

A large colour photo of Madiba on the side of their vehicle, worked “magic” when they were held up by bandits in Kenya. When Abdool politely requested an aggressive bandit to point the gun away from his face, the change in direction brought the picture of Madiba in full view. The bandit’s aggression changed into jubilant admiration, and the two adventurers were allowed to journey on!