Thousands of people took the streets of the City of Tshwane to participate in the 2024 Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run (MRWR) on Sunday, 8 December.
The 10th edition of the event commemorated the 11 years since President Mandela's passing in December 2013, offering an opportunity for South Africans and the international community to reflect on the strides made since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago and the challenges that remain.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) host the special event annually at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, with this year seeing massive success of all 10 000 entries for participation sold out. All proceeds from the MRWR go towards the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in keeping Madiba's legacy alive by promoting sustainable solutions to society's challenges through dialogue and tangible work in the community.
Over the years, the event has attracted hundreds of thousands of participants from not only Gauteng but the rest of the country and international travellers who come to South Africa to take part, in honouring Madiba's legacy and contribution to society.
The MRWR consisted of a fun 5-kilometre walk and 10-kilometre and 21-kilometre runs, as well as a private wreath-laying ceremony and prize giving for race winners, which concluded with live entertainment preferences at the Union Buildings.
MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane says:
"As the Department, we are thrilled to continue working with the Foundation on this event, and we believe the event forms part of our social cohesion program. The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is our way of honouring Madiba's legacy by bringing people in South Africa together, uniting them, and giving them a sense of belonging. It also reminds us of what makes this country and continent special and Madiba's huge contribution to ensuring the freedoms we enjoy today. It also celebrates Madiba's love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. We hope this family event will continue to honour Madiba's legacy and make us all reflect on our lives and the example we want to be for our families."
"As the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, we are honoured to partner with the Nelson Mandela Foundation for this significant event. The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is a tribute to Madiba's extraordinary leadership and to all those who stood with him in the fight for freedom, justice, and equality. While honouring this legacy, we must also confront the work that remains, committing ourselves to the values of unity, inclusivity, and dignity for all. May it continue to be a day of reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to shaping a future worthy of the sacrifices made by our leaders and heroes,"
MEC Matome Chiloane added.