Thousands of feet and paws walk the talk

EMMARENTIA – Let's talk about the walk.

July 24, 2017

Roxy de Villiers 1 minute read

The Gnesin family - Craig, Ariella, Nadine and Hannah. Photo Nicholas Zaal

About 70 000 feet and paws walked the streets of Johannesburg for the MTN 702 Walk the Talk to raise awareness and funds for various charities.

Of the 70 000, 20 000 were man’s best friend who walked on leashes with their owners.

Dean Fenn and Pooch wear matching red items for the MTN Walk the Talk with 702. Photo: Roxy de Villiers

This year, the walk took place on 23 July at Mark’s Park in Emmarentia and went as far as Newtown.

When the Northcliff Melville Times spoke to entrants during the walk they had nothing but good things to say.

“It has been fun family time. The day has been great,” said Nadine Gnesin with her family members, Craig, Ariella and Hannah.

“We are walking for fun and it has been a great day out,” said Debbie Sinclair, with her family members Brendan, Sarah, Liam and their dog Cocoa.

Karabo Mabalane and Lebogang Matlhaku with their babies. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

The charitable walkers could choose between a 5km, 8km and 15km walk. Upon finishing, each entrant received a medal for completing their respective walk.

Some entrants proved to be more ambitious than others and after completing the walk, they decided to give an extra push and walked the other distances.

Some entrants ran the 5km and went for another round, this time at a walking pace.

Olwethu, Christina and Owethu Lubingo flash some smiles for a photo opportunity at the MTN Walk the Talk with 702. Photo: Roxy de Villiers

Ryno Opperman and his dog charge ahead in the 5km walk. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

At the walk were a few surprise guests which included Gauteng premier, David Makhura who walked to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse among the youth.

Makhura gave Walk the Talk a stamp of approval and said it was important not only for health but strengthens social cohesion.