History was created on Sunday 13 July when more than 17 000 runners participated in the second successful Kaya FM 67km Relay for Mandela Day, creating the biggest corporate relay ever seen in Africa.
Greg Maloka, Luvuyo Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Sello Hatang and two colleagues before the start of the race
The day was also a special commemoration as it was the anniversary of the day that Nelson Mandela Mandela lost his first son while in prison and was sadly unable to bury him. Fellow Rivonia trialist Ahmed Kathrada was present at the start of relay to show his support for Mandela Day.
The event, proudly hosted by the City of Joburg, is the result of a noble partnership between Kaya FM and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and is designed to celebrate Madiba’s legacy.
Passing the baton between relay teams is a symbolic gesture of camaraderie, paying it forward and reaching out a hand to those less-privileged members of society.
Over 17 000 participants wait for their chance to run 6.7km in honour of Nelson Mandela's legacy
Each 10-person team ran 6.7km in honour of the 67 years that the father of our nation gave in service to South Africa
The CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, thanked everyone for the phenomenal support shown at the event.
“Madiba's commitment to service is at the heart of this race and we look forward to growing this event even further in years to come,” he said.
The Nedbank Running Club, winners of the men's open relay category
“Today should remind us of who we were and who we want to be. If Tata was here, he would be smiling at the effort everyone has put into this day. Funds raised from today’s event will be used to preserve and digitise Nelson Mandela's papers – the oldest of which dates back to 1929 – for generations to come.”
Several corporate relay teams took home trophies and medals for winning their respective categories, and Telkom was applauded for having the largest number of teams – 67 – taking part in the relay in the relay.
The Nedbank Running Club again took gold in the men’s open relay category, with Monama Pharmacy winning the women’s open relay title. In the mixed category, Discovery Athletic Club took gold.
Kaya FM MD, Greg Maloka, said he is grateful for the amazing support of the station and this relay. “Today has been a remarkable event that honours the work of our Tata and celebrates 20 years of freedom. This event is about so much more than the relay – it is about the human spirit. Kaya FM proudly puts the power of radio behind Madiba’s legacy.”
To view a gallery of images on the Mandela Day website, click here.