Honour Madiba in Gandhi peace walk
TWO of former statesman Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters will be among those cheering on runners and walkers at the 29th Gandhi Walk in Lenasia on Sunday next week.
Zoleka and Ndileka Mandela will join about 5 000 expected participants in paying tribute to Mandela at the walk, which has been dedicated to his memory this year. He died on December 5 last year.
Zoleka, who had a baby girl in April, said she welcomed the opportunity to continue her grandfather’s teachings by supporting the event, which raises funds for various charities.
“It is such an honour to have this year’s walk in memory of my grandfather.
“He not only taught me the importance of making a difference in someone else’s life despite having my own challenges, but also the importance of my role in society. To have his life celebrated even months after his passing is incredibly heart-warming.
“His life and his legacy continue to live on in his teachings and how we as individuals make a personal contribution to the world,” said Zoleka.
“I have not taken part in the walk before and although I am tempted to attempt the 5km, I’m recovering from the Caesarean section I had a few weeks ago giving birth to my daughter.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing the community of Lenasia and the programme for the day with all those who contributed to the various charities that will benefit from this walk.”
Gandhi Walk committee spokesman Mahendra Modi said the decision to honour Mandela’s memory was owing to Madiba’s contribution to South Africa.
He said the philosophy of peace and positive change that both Mandela and passive resistance activist Mahatma Gandhi embraced were the principles on which the walk was founded.
Modi said pop-up health clinics, food stalls, a supervised children’s zone, music, dance and comedy shows and a photographic exhibition were some of the attractions visitors could look forward to in addition to the 5km and 10km walks.
“We’re trying to make it very nice. We’re going to have a special tent where we’ll have a photo gallery for Madiba.”
Tickets are R20 each through Computicket for either distance and may also be purchased before the event on the day.
Registration will begin at 6.30am.
The 10km walk will start at 9am and the 5km at 9.15am.