#TheHomeRun raises R350 000 for underprivileged learners in Limpopo
A 500km run undertaken by politicians, Solly Malatsi and Makashule Gana, raised R350 000 out of an envisaged R500 000 to support poor learners in the province. Donations will still be accepted until August 31.
LIMPOPO – Two politicians went the distance and came back as heroes who will do just about anything to help children in need.
DA member of parliament and former national spokesperson Solly Malatsi and Gauteng member of provincial legislature Makashule Gana said the plight of underprivileged learners in the province kept them motivated in their quest to complete their 500km run in 16 days.
The duo began the adventure on August 7 and covered a daily average of 35kms from Soweto to Lefara village in Tzaneen. They finished on August 22 and were able to raise R350 000 out of an envisaged R500 000 to support poor learners in the province. The duo said they will still accept donations until August 31.
A cause greater than ourselves.
Catch myself and @SollyMalatsi this evening 19h30 on @SAfmRadio with @ThabisoMosia talking all things The Home Run.#SAFMSportOn pic.twitter.com/fA75vJao41
— Makashule Gana – Rise Mzansi🇿🇦 (@Makashule) August 26, 2021
During their daily 35km run, the duo had water points set up at every 5km mark and from the 20km mark onwards they had water points every 3kms.
Malatsi said to attempt anything as audacious as running 500kms requires mental fortitude.
“While we were driven by the cause, our biggest asset was our mental strength. The routine of waking up daily to run for four hours at that slow pace requires resolve. It was not our usual pace and at times we were running in scorching heat or against vicious headwinds,” he told BONUS.
Malatsi added that they had made a commitment to finish the run last Sunday, no matter what it takes.
Read more: Malatsi and Gana to run for education
“When we struggled over monstrous hills or walked through tough segments, our ultimate goal was to finish and make our deadline. We knew that our bodies were battered at some stage, but our mental resilience carried us through,” Malatsi said.
Gana said they were touched by the reception they received from the community and they want to thank everyone for making a special ending to their journey. “We want to thank everyone who believed in our mission and supported it. This cause was greater than ourselves.” Malatsi said The Home Run was not about them but the future of underprivileged learners.
“We want to thank everyone who donated to support the cause, from as little as R20 to as much as R100 000.”
The two politicians, who also grew up in a village, highlighted that it was important for them to do something to help learners in need with school uniforms, learning materials and sanitary pads so that they can focus and excel in their studies.
“Some of the largest contributors to The Home Run are the Cape Town based company, Oceana Group with R100 000, BuildIt Paledi Store in Mankweng with 250 pairs of school shoes and the SPAR Group with 25 000 packets of sanitary pads.”
