Mandela Day Walk and Run in Houghton is back and bigger
Nelson Mandela International Day has enjoyed 13 years of global support and solidarity since it was launched in 2009 and this year the world commemorates 10 years since Nelson Mandela passed away.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation will host the second edition of the Mandela Day Walk and Run in Houghton in honour of the global icon and former statesman Nelson Mandela, the first president of a democratic South Africa.
In 2009, Nelson Mandela, who died in 2013, gifted the world his birthday as an international day of service and 2023 marks 105 years since Madiba was born.
This year’s race begins at Houghton Primary School and follows the route that Nelson Mandela walked for exercise when he lived in Houghton. The suburb was the home of President Mandela for a number of years when he returned from Robben Island. His 13th Avenue address has been converted into Sanctuary Mandela, a boutique hotel and convening space.
Houghton Estate is also the suburb that hosts the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory, where the foundation is housed. Madiba, as he was fondly known, was often seen walking in the suburb. Many have wonderful memories of unplanned and surprise encounters and chats with the statesman.
The foundation urges everyone to use Mandela Day as a day that brings people together to take action against poverty and advance the project of nation-building. This year’s theme for Mandela Day is climate, food and solidarity and the call to action is themed: ‘It’s in your hands’ to take action against climate change.
The walk and run will include 5km, 10km and 21km routes and will be held in partnership with Balwin Properties, Supabets, Discovery Vitality, Clover, Vision Tactical, Mahindra, Brand SA, Power FM and INX TV.
Details: www.nelsonmandela.org/activities/entry/mandela-day-houghton-run; https://onreg.com/mandeladay23
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