Running through Gugulethu’s memorial sites

HE WEARS several hats, and seems to be a jack-of-all-trades who masters them all.

But yesterday morning, TV personality and professional basketball player Vincent Ntunja paid tribute to his community heroes as he took time out to lead a 5km run that celebrated Gugulethu’s history.

In collaboration with sportswear manufacturer Under Armour, Ntunja led the run past two memorial sites and a well known hangout spot: the memorials to the Gugulethu 7 and Amy Biehl, and Mzoli’s Place.

Ntunja, who also works as a model and TV presenter, said: “My mission is to continue to make a difference in people’s lives in the best possible way.”

He described the memorials as important to the community.

“The memorials are so significant that they give imvelaphi (history) of where we come from as the people of Gugulethu.

“I find solace in knowing that people sacrificed their lives to ensure we had the freedom and living the life we do today,” he said.

Ntunja said: “My only way to reward them is to be the best version of myself while I keep promoting and highlighting my township to the world.

“It also gives me a platform to host unique activations, such as the Under Armour Blur Run, where the journalists and influencers will have a chance to test out the shoes and review their performance.”

Ntunja, after whom the basketball court at the Gugulethu sports centre is named, said giving back was important because it provided him with an opportunity to reach out to underprivileged children.

PICTURE: AYANDA NDAMANE/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) Led by pro-athlete Vincent Ntunja, the Gugulethu run looks to celebrate the history within this community, with Ntunja himself being a story of success and hope for all who look to improve their situation.