Kaya FM 67km Relay for Mandela Day: Runners doing it for Mandela

On Sunday 13 July 2014, thousands of runners, both young and old, participated in the Kaya FM 67km Relay for Mandela Day.

The race was one of many commemoration events and fundraisers held around the world in honour of Madiba and his legacy.

Nathi Zondo, who ran in the relay, said, "In a nutshell this relay symbolises the coming together of different people and encourages us to keep going and continue passing the baton. It’s also a day for the young and old to come together for one cause, because Mandela Day is for everyone."

Ronell Shimane, who was supporting friends and family running in the race, added, "This day is another day for us to celebrate our freedom. If it wasn’t for Madiba we wouldn't be here having so much fun and meeting all these different people."

Jakes Makakabule, who works for Marsh, said he and his colleagues would be painting a school in Alexandra township in honour of Mandela Day.

Khuthala Gwagwa said, "This relay race shows what South Africans can do. People need to work together. I’d like to see different nations/races/ethnicities coming together to do the relay every year."

"I am running this relay race to honour Madiba’s legacy. This is a day to remember him and honour his accomplishments," said Amber Klassen.

Minky Mlangeni is grateful for all that Mandela did in the name of freedom and said, "This day is a commemoration of the life Madiba gave us and all the advantages we have now because of him. Unlike our parents in the days of apartheid, women now have the same opportunities as men in the workplace and our children are able to go to any school they want to. We should definitely celebrate this and him, every year."

"I help out at a community centre and at the SPCA once a month – this is during the time that I am home from boarding school," replied Tebogo Dire when asked how he would be honouring Mandela's legacy.

"To me, Madiba's legacy means liberation of the youth of South Africa. We have opportunities now that were not there prior to South Africa becoming a democratic country," said Angela van der Merwe.

Glenda Moyane said that to her, Madiba's legacy is all about forgiveness, and to honour it she will be collecting personal hygiene products and giving them to schoolgirls in Thembisa.

Thobile Shongwe said, "It means continuing with what he did; it means a continued spirit of ubuntu; it means looking out for each other, particularly looking out for those less fortunate. This race is a great race because the funds are going to the Nelson Mandela Foundation – and it’s also a great way to get fit."

Ambrose Klassen said, "This race brings people together from all walks of life. It’s also special because it’s for Mandela Day."

This is Ambrose's second year running the relay.

"It [the race] has a great cultural spirit. Since Tata passed away, he has been smiling his very big smile on all of us and we must be grateful to him. We must enjoy this race and come back again next year," said a young Thabo Mokwule.

Sam Moukangwe said, "We are driven by humility to serve with purpose. Never, never again will people be discriminated against. We want equality in the workplace and everywhere. We are so grateful to have had a leader like Madiba. We will do this race again next year and we will bring our families with us – we are doing it for him."

Bennett Buthelezi from KwaZulu-Natal said, "This race means a lot because of what Tata did for us. We are free because of him. He spent many years in jail for us. Even though he’s not here anymore, we thank him for struggling for us. These two medals are for my family – one of for my wife and the other for my kids."

Bennett ran twice in the relay.

"This is the first time I’m doing something that’s not for myself and I’m also doing something for the community. As I was running, I said to myself,‘If I quit, Madiba will be mad at me'," quipped Tebogo Mahlomoja.