Ramaphosa opens R96m athletics track in Maritzburg

KwaZulu-Natal department of sport and recreation staffer Khulubuse Zimu didn’t let his less-than-athletic physique deter him from joining in on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attempts to encourage a healthy lifestyle through physical training.

He was among a crowd of Maritzburg residents who took to the street in yesterday’s 5km walk.

Later joined by a trimmer colleague Thabisile Zondi at the new International Association of Athletics Federation-accredited Msunduzi Athletics Track, Zimu demonstrated that weight should not be a constraint to keeping fit.

“I usually go to the treadmill but decided to come out and take part in the morning group walk.

“My morale has been lifted by proving to be fit in taking part in the event,” said Zimu.

Zondi described Zimu as “a source of inspiration to us young people, because he takes part in all sporting events”.

Accompanied by Sport and Recreation Minister Tokozile Xasa, Ramaphosa said the R96 million athletics track was “an investment to good health”.

“This facility speaks to the concept of trying to promote and encourage South Africans to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

“We do not want this facility to be a white elephant but to host local and international athletics meetings. I see there are 100-metre markings and one day I will come back and run a 100-metre race to compete with Minister Blade Nzimande.”

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