Comrades no sweat for blind runner

MANDLA Zwane, a blind man, said he is looking forward to running his 10th Comrades Marathon this year.

The 34-year-old from Nzondwane, Nongoma grew up blind but initially the family did not realise he could not see.

‘My mother would ask me to fetch her something, but because I couldn’t see, I would always bump against objects.’

School in Pietermaritzburg

Mandla said when he was a small boy herding cattle in the hills and the valleys of Nongoma, he did all the things boys his age did. But when it was time for him to attend school, his mother registered him at a blind school in Pietermaritzburg.

At school, Mandla sais he felt more comfortable among the other kids who were in a similar situation as him. This prompted him to participate in many activities in school, ‘But I excelled in athletics and music,’ he said.

At school he participated in events like the 800km and 1500km races and in field events like the shot put.

After finishing school, Mandla wanted to study psychology, but due to a lack of funds, he couldn’t pursue his career goals. Back home, he began to train hard – running up and down the gravel, dusty roads of his village, which motivated him to enter more marathons.

Mandla’s first marathon

‘I began participating in short distance events like the 5km and 10km distance marathons.

‘The first long distance event I entered was a 16km distance marathon held in Pietermaritzburg, where I obtained 10th position.

‘Because of my training on the rugged and uneven terrain of my village, I was motivated to enter more long distance events which I found to be easier because of the smooth road. I also listen to the footsteps of other runners around me.

‘I ran my first Comrades Marathon in 2005, and I’ve never looked back and am looking forward to running my 10th.’

Mandla has also run the Soweto Marathon (four times), and the Two Oceans Marathon which he has entered six times.

He has participated in the Nongoma to Ulundi Marathon and the Mandela Day Marathon.

‘Participating in the Tronox Marathon, Empangeni was part of my training for my 10th Comrades.’

Mandla’s first job

Zwane said he believes in listening and respecting others. He thanks Zululand District Municipality (ZDM) Mayor Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi for the opportunity she has given him to work and earn a living.

‘I’m grateful and appreciate the chance she gave me, by not discriminating against my condition; and I now can even help my mother, and also live a better life.’

He also thanked the ZDM for the support they give him to do what he loves most, running!