Thousands run through Sandton to end violence

SANDTON – Over 2 000 women, men and children ran through the streets of Sandton on 2 December in an effort to break the silence about violence against women and children in South Africa.

December 5, 2017

Sarah Koning 2 minutes read

Runners are energetic at the start of the Orange Run on 2 December. Photo: Sarah Koning

Runners painted the town orange as they jogged through the streets of Sandton in an effort to end violence against women and children.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Edgars Unite arranged an Orange Run through the Sandton CBD, inviting concerned members of the community to wear orange and contribute towards bringing an end to violence on 2 December. Over 2 000 men and women took to the streets for a 6km fun run, starting at Mushroom Farm Park.

Glynis Sylvester, Charles Rossouw and Kathy Vlotman are excited for the start of the Orange Run. Photo: Sarah Koning

Energy levels are high midway through the Orange Run on 2 December. Photo: Sarah Koning

Puseletso Phiri, the executive for product and brand at Edgars said, “The purpose of this event is to bring to the fore the plight against women and children and how we encourage every South African to break the silence.”

Phiri said that the funds raised through the event would go toward the Edgars Unite programme that seeks to empower women to get out of abusive situations through fashion and design skills development. So far, 80 women from across the country have been assisted by the programme through centres in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Nkazimulo Ndlovu, Simphiwe Ndlovu, Hlengiwe Ndlovu and Sincengile Ngwenya supported the Orange Run starting at Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton. Photo: Sarah Koning

Nikiwe Dlova and Shayna Goncalves show their enthusiasm for a good cause before the start of the Orange Run. Photo: Sarah Koning

The Edgars Unite team hopes to expand into some of the more marginalised areas of South Africa as soon as more funds are raised.

“I don’t think the 16 Days of Activism should be the only time that we are ‘conscientised’ about abuse. As Edcon, we celebrate ‘break the silence day’ on the 25th of every month where we stand up and say we will not take this abuse,” added Phiri.

Hlengiwe Ndlovu, who took part in the run alongside her sons said, “The importance of the Orange Run is the message behind it. I felt that I should go out there and do something with my children and teach them about the abuse of women in a way that is more than just head-knowledge.

Enthusiastic runners head off at the start of the Orange Run on 2 December. Photo: Sarah Koning

Runners show enthusiasm on the uphill past Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton on 2 December. Photo: Sarah Koning

“We should be doing 365 days of activism and not just 16. I have brought along my boys because education should shift to boys to stop the rape culture in our country instead of the burden always falling on girls.”

Despite the fact that many runners were frustrated by the 20-minute delay in start times, many enjoyed jogging through the streets and putting the active into activism.

Did you take part in the Orange Run? Share your stories on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.