#AfricaDay: ‘Let’s love one another’
Benoni Northerns Athletics Club's Bright Mikolongwe is aggrieved by the treatment towards other African nationals but he has chosen to spread love rather than hate.
Since the beginning of the year, Afrophobia has again dominated public discourse, in some instances exacerbated by Operation Dudula.
Political parties have fanned the fires with their rhetoric that some of the ANC’s failures are to be blamed on foreigners.
As we mark Africa Day on May 25, how can a foreign national thrive in such an environment in South Africa?
Benoni Northerns Athletics Club (BNAC) running sensation Bright Mikolongwe believes you have to be part of the community and take part in its activities.
The Malawian is aggrieved by the treatment of other African nationals but he has chosen to spread love rather than hate.
“We are all Africans. It’s not good to attack each other. I encourage all South Africans to stop doing this. No matter what happens, we are all Africans. There are foreigners everywhere but you don’t see them being attacked. Why does it happen in this country?
“Let’s love one another. Let’s unite because when we are united we can achieve great things.”
Also Read: Benoni Northerns Sports Club celebrates their best sportspeople of 2018
Love for his community
He said Malawians grow up in communities that live by the philosophy; ‘A neighbour’s child is yours, treat him well – he’ll remember you’.
He said when arrived in Benoni, he found the same ambience. It’s hard to miss his smile when he talks about the club and the love he has received from the Benoni community.
“I live in Benoni. That’s why I love the club because I get to represent the place I live in. The club’s members have been supportive. That’s why I always want our colours to be on top at racing events.”
Mikolongwe took up running on his arrival in the country in 2016. He said the community’s running culture became an obsession after his first run in Lakefield.
“I would often see a lot of people walk and run by the lake. I decided to join and I have been doing it with the same intensity since.”
For someone with no prior running experience, Mikolongwe would go on to achieve greatness on the road.
“It was difficult at first but I persisted. In late 2017, I joined the BNAC. My first race was at the Johnson Crane Marathon in 2018 and I came fourth, finishing at 1:13:00 in the 21km.
“I never ran in Malawi. I only played football. Running is a gift from God.
“In 2018, I competed in 18 races and made the podium in nine. The following year I ran in 20 and made the top three in 12. This year, I’ve completed three and made the podium once. In the other two races, I finished fourth and sixth respectively.”
Appeal for sponsorship
Boasting such an impressive record, it comes as a surprise that he has no corporate sponsorship under his belt.
“I’ve run under 1 hour 49 minutes and this means it’s going to be a good year of running. That’s why I need sponsorship so that together we can achieve great things.
“My dream is to run in the best races. I need proper shoes and other things to help me improve. If there’s anyone out there who wants to help, please don’t hesitate.
“I also need a coach to help with my training. I need someone to guide and help me improve as a runner.
“With my current job as a gardener, I really can’t afford all the essentials needed for running. I’ve tried to save but the cost of living is high. I am pleading with anyone to help because I love the sport.”
Also Read: Benoni Northerns’ Bright continues to impress on the road
