Making strides for unity and heritage

ALMOST 5000 walkers donned either their sporting or traditional attire at the POST/ Shoprite Heritage Walk on Thursday for 5km and 10km events at the Green Hub at Blue Lagoon.

The morning began with Pooja Santhoo, Pinky Naidoo (the divisional public relations manager of Shoprite Checkers in KwaZulu-Natal), and Deena Pillay, POST sports editor, releasing 60 balloons to commemorate this newspaper’s 60th anniversary this year.

Its generous readers and sponsors raised almost R250 000 for 12-year-old Pooja to get prosthetic arms and legs.

Editor Yogas Nair and the divisional manager of Shoprite Checkers in KZN, Willem Hunlun, then cut the red ribbon to start the race.

Monwabisi Siphika of KwaMashu walked across the finish line first.

“My girlfriend completed a 5km race recently and she enjoyed herself, so we decided to do this event,” said Siphika, who ended up walking ahead of his girlfriend. “The atmosphere was wonderful,” he added.

Das Harilal, 68, of KwaDukuza (pictured top right), donned a turban and dhoti.

Harilal, who also carried along a walking stick, has completed nine Salt Marches.

“I decided to wear traditional Indian clothing because it was apt to do so,” he said.

One of the star walkers was undoubtedly 81-year-old Sunny Gurannah of Effingham, who completed the 5km walk.

He crossed the finish line to cheers.

“I walk every day from my home in Effingham around the area for about one hour. That keeps me in shape,” said the vegetarian.

To commemorate POST’s 60th anniversary Pinky Naidoo, the divisional public relations manager of Shoprite and Checkers in KwaZulu-Natal, joined Pooja Santhoo and Deena Pillay, POST sports editor, to release 60 balloons.

PICTURES: SIYANDA MAYEZA & Divisional director for Shoprite Checkers Willem Hunlun, left, and POST editor Yogas Nair cut the ribbon at the start of the 10km walk. SIBUSISO NDLOVU

ABI event manager Kas Naidoo with the winner of the Win Coke for a Year competition, Siziwe Mathebula.

This trio, Mumsy Praamraj, left, Surie Govender and Sharon Gounder, decided to dare the 10km walk in saris. “We are proud of our culture,” said Gounder.

All smiles… Sham Maharaj, left, Logie Naidoo and Pops Rampersad.

Nurse Desiree Abrahams, left, checks Vini Naidoo’s blood pressure at the Life Westville Hospital enclosure.

Rhodes volunteers handed out juice at the finish line.

Sabelo Ngobe serves Preeth Ramchuran samoosas and chilli bites at the Kara Nicha’s stall.