Thembisa man runs from Joburg to Cape Town against GBV
Despite being robbed during the run to raise awareness of gender-based violence, Mokobane was still able to accomplish his objective.
In collaboration with the TumeloMokobane Foundation, Tumelo Mokobane completed a 16-day run from Johannesburg’s JB Active Fourways Mall to Cape Town via Krugersdorp, Klerksdorp, Bloemhof, Karoo, Three Sisters and the N12.
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He left Johannesburg on September 28 and arrived at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on October 14.
Makobane ran the 1 400km from Johannesburg to the Mother City in 16 days as part of an epic trek to raise money for the Abafaziphambili NPO, which helps women and children who are victims of gender-based violence.
He finished his run and then registered for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, finishing in a time of 3:59:38.
Makobane enjoys giving back to the community, which is why he gave his time to make sure that he raises funds to ensure that the organisation is run properly.
This was not Makobane’s first time participating in a charitable race.
“In 2017, I finished the 10 charity race with a friend and fellow runner Hazel Moller.
“We attempted to complete the 10 Comrades Marathon 90km runs in this time, with the final 90km being the actual marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
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“Despite pain and exhaustion, we completed the total distance and raised R200 000 for abandoned township animals.
“The marathon runner faced challenges throughout the journey, but that did not stop him from reaching his goal.
“It was difficult since we lacked sponsors for funding. I had to use money from my own pocket and borrow money from friends. In addition, the heat took a toll on my body, causing nosebleeds and kidney difficulties.
“I was also robbed with my phone snatched.
“There were times when I wanted to give up, but my parents reminded me of why I decided to accomplish this run.
Additionally, they advised me to consider the individuals I am standing up for and to remind myself that I am their voice.
“It was not easy, but when I consider the suffering those women endure every day of their lives, it inspired me to persevere. When they are carried out of the house in a coffin, some of them experience calm.
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However, for me, it was only 16 days of agony.
“I had to push myself because I want to liberate and empower the women and aid them in leaving toxic and abusive situations.
“Because they are financially dependent on the abuser, risking and endangering their lives for a living, many women remain in these unhealthy (intimate partner violence) relationships.
“They frequently feel they have nowhere to go and little chance of surviving on their own without any resources or skills.
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“The majority of the women Abafaziphambili supports are from Vusimuzi, one of Thembisa’s poorest informal communities.
Together with Abafaziphmabili, the Tumelo Mokobane Foundation has worked to improve the lives of women. All of this is possible thanks to your contributions. The key to living is giving,” said Mokobane.
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