Over 25 000 South Africans gathered in the City of Tshwane for the UNITE 2.0 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, far exceeding the organisers’ expectations. The attached release details the events of the day, as well as the top winners of the grand prizes.
The 2014 Unite 2.0 campaign, an initiative of the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa and the Department of Arts and Culture, was a joyful and celebratory day as over 23 000 South Africans climbed on their bicycles, or pulled on their running shoes to compete in the second annual Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day.
Once again South Africans proved that sport can be the glue that brings people together as cyclists, runners (and walkers) put their best foot forward to celebrate the legacy of Mandela.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula welcomed everyone in the early hours of the morning, and his infectious energy got all the competitors excited for the day.
With white doves released and a bouquet of colourful balloons symbolising peace and the rainbow nation, the day kicked off with the national anthem.
It was Tshwane’s Executive Mayor Cllr Kgosientso Ramokgopa who got the races under way, as South Africans from all walks competed alongside Unite 2.0 Ambassadors such as Caster Semenya, Shashi Naidoo, Minnie Dlamini, Werner Swanepoel, Craig Jacobs, Zane Moosa, Khanyi Mbau, Bianca le Grange, Carol Tshabalala, Bridget Masinga, Sibongile Khumalo and many other celebrities, sports stars and politicians.
The 67km cycling race winners, in both male and female categories, received an unprecedented R250 000, second-placed riders received R150 000, while third-place riders pocketed R100 000.
The men’s race was won by Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, with Hanco Kachelhoffer second, while HB Kruger finished third.
The women’s race winner was Ashleigh Pasio, while Marianne Vos finished second, and Cherise Stander ended third.
The winners of the 27km road race pocketed R150 000, with second getting R100 000 and third R50 000.
The winner of the men’s race was Elroy Gelant in a time of 1:25:25, with Desmond Mokgobu second and Philip Berech third.
Meseret Biru was the women’s winner in a time of 1:37:38, with Mamorallo Tjoka second and Mapaseka Makhanya third.
The winners of the 9.4km run, who received R40 000, were Joel Mmone (men) and Lebo Phalula (women).
