PE runners make great strides for Ubuntu Education Fund
SPIRITED Nelson Mandela Bay runners Nomfundo Hlela and Noluvuyolwethu Qokweni raised R22 200 for Ubuntu Education Fund by taking part in the Two Oceans ultra-marathon and the Comrades earlier this year.
La Femme previously reported on their attempt (“See how they run”, April 1) to raise funds for the Zwide education centre before they tackled the marathons.
Qokweni, 33, better known as “Vuvu” said raising funds were quite difficult at first.
“We had to explain why we needed the money and after they found out we were running for education they opened up their hearts,” Qokweni said.
Hlela, 33, said all the money they received for was overwhelming.
The Continental Tyre employee said: “I could not get over how kind and generous people can be and we appreciate it.”
She said the response they received on so- cial media was astounding.
Hlela, who lives in Lorraine, felt privileged that Ubuntu Education Fund approached them and said it was a great opportunity.
“It is a great feeling to do something for someone you do not even know,” Hlela said.
She said her last race, the Comrades, was 89km and a challenge, but she was glad she was able to finish before the cut-off time.
Qokweni said: “Even though this was my third Comrades, it never gets easier.”
Qokweni, who is an accountant at the SABC Port Elizabeth office said she enjoys the mental challenge running brings.
Hlela’s next race will be the Aspen City Marathon in December, while Qokweni’s next race will be the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Tanzania in February.
Qokweni said they were waiting on Ubuntu Education Fund to let them know if they wanted them to run for more funds.
“We would like to have a continuous relationship with Ubuntu Education Fund,” Qokweni said.