One Year, 2,250 Kilometers: South African Evangelist Reaches Mozambique on Walk to Jerusalem

MOZAMBIQUE – A lone figure pushing a massive wooden cross along dusty roads has become a symbol of faith and perseverance as South African evangelist Reini Coetzee marks the first anniversary of his 10,000-kilometer journey to Jerusalem. Coetzee, whose mission has captivated social media audiences worldwide, crossed into Mozambique on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, at the Nyamapanda border post. His trek, which began on 14 March 2025 in Cape Town, has taken him through South Africa and Zimbabwe, with thousands of kilometers still ahead.

Videos of Coetzee walking with his wheeled cross have gone viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, drawing both admiration and curiosity. Motorists who spot him often stop to ask the same question: “Where are you going?” His answer is always the same Jerusalem. Coetzee embarked on this monumental journey as a spiritual mission, aiming to reach the Temple Mount in Israel. On his Cross Walk Africa social media pages, he shares updates, scripture verses and reflections on his journey. His goal is to spread the Gospel, pray for every country he passes through and remind the world of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

“God has called me to carry the cross,” Coetzee says in one of his posts. “This is not just a walk, it’s a prayer in motion.”

Coetzee’s journey began in Cape Town just before Easter in 2025. In the first three weeks alone, he pushed through the challenging terrain of the Central Karoo, logging over 300 hours of walking. By December 2025, he had crossed into Zimbabwe, passing through Masvingo before reaching the Mozambican border three months later. At every border crossing, Coetzee marks the moment with a symbolic gesture exchanging the flag of the country he is leaving for the one he is entering. On 4 November 2025, he swapped the South African flag for Zimbabwe’s  and now, as he steps into Mozambique, he carries its flag as a sign of his prayers for the nation.

Despite questions from skeptics some of whom wonder why he doesn’t simply fly to his destination Coetzee remains steadfast in his mission. For him, the journey is not about speed but about purpose. “This is not just about reaching Jerusalem,” he said in a video posted by TellZim News. “It’s about praying for every country I walk through, for the people I meet and for the world to know peace and hope.”

His planned route will take him through Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt before finally crossing into the Middle East. While there is no direct walking route to Israel, Coetzee is determined to complete the trek, one step at a time.

Coetzee’s story has sparked mixed reactions online. Admirers praise his dedication and faith, while critics question the logic of such an arduous journey. But for Coetzee, the challenges are part of the mission.

With over 2,250 kilometers already covered, Coetzee still faces thousands more through varying terrains and climates. Yet, his resolve remains unshaken. With each step, he offers prayers. With each border crossing, he carries a message of hope. And with each encounter on the roadside, he reminds the world that some journeys are measured not in distance, but in faith. For now, the man with the cross continues his pilgrimage one prayer, one step and one kilometer closer to Jerusalem.