Running against abuse
Ntsanwisi upbeat despite lack of support
Despite the lack of support from his home town to raise awareness about gender-based violence, Limpopo runner Samuel Ntsanwisi said he believes the message was loud and clear.
Ntsanwisi ran an ultramarathon from Pretoria to Nkowankowa outside Tzaneen to raise awareness against the abuse of women and children, an event that coincided with 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
The campaign began on Saturday and will continue until December 10.
Ntsanwisi, who was joined by a small group of runners and cyclists, arrived at the Nkowankowa Stadium to find an empty venue.
“I believe the run was successful and that the message had been sent across,” said the 31-year-old runner.
He said he was well received in the towns of Bela-Bela and Modimolle but was disappointed he had received no
‘‘ The support I received on the road was phenomenal and pleasing
support from his people.
“The support I received on the road was phenomenal and [I] would like to send a word of appreciation to residents of Bela-Bela and Modimolle who came out in numbers to encourage us during our run.
“I feel the government is not doing enough to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
“With these kinds of events I believe people will learn a lot to respect one another and not do anything to harm the vulnerable members of society,” he said.
Dubbed “The Crazy Challenge”, the run aimed at mobilising and empowering disadvantaged youth to lead a healthy lifestyle.
It was organised through Vantshwa va Xivono – a Tsonga word for youth with a vision.
Ntsanwisi also hoped to acquire the most signatures on a flag to enter the Guiness Book of Records.
“We are still far below the record of signatures we need to enter into the Guiness Book of Records, but we will work hard to get them next time,” he continued.
“Come next year we will go all out to make sure that South Africa, and Limpopo in particular, is concientised about the race,” he said.