WATCH: Ramp of hope: Alberton community rallies to make PPT social run inclusive
An act of kindness has transformed Plato Plaas Toe (PPT) runners’ mornings in Meyersdal, in Alberton, proving that when a community steps up, everyone moves forward together.
In the early hours of every Friday morning, long before the sun rises over Alberton, members of the PPT Social Run gather at the Blue Crane Centre parking area in Meyersdal.
At 04:40, while most of the suburb sleeps, this dedicated group laces up in pursuit of health, wellness and connection. PPT, a health and wellness club, has built its social run around one core principle: creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for people of all abilities. And last week, that commitment took on tangible form.
One of the group’s regular participants, Jay-Dee Meyer, is a wheelchair user whose determination has inspired fellow runners week after week.
Along the running route, there was a section at a traffic island where Meyer previously had to stop, remove her front wheel, be assisted up onto the pavement, and then reassemble her chair before continuing.
@albertonrecordIn the early hours of every Friday morning, long before the sun rises over Alberton, members of the PPT Social Run gather at the Blue Crane Centre parking area in Meyersdal. At 04:40, while most of the suburb sleeps, this dedicated group laces up in pursuit of health, wellness and connection. PPT, a health and wellness club, has built its social run around one core principle: creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for people of all abilities. And last week, that commitment took on tangible form. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
She did it with grace and unwavering positivity, but the extra effort required simply to participate did not go unnoticed. After attempts to gain traction through formal channels proved challenging, ward councillor Tim Denny stepped in on his own initiative.
He arranged for a small ramp to be constructed on the island, allowing Meyer to cross safely and independently.
On February 20, the group surprised Meyer with the completed ramp. For the PPT community, it is about far more than infrastructure. It is a story of neighbours recognising a need and taking action.
The ramp will also assist parents pushing prams and children on bicycles, making the route more accessible for many.
At the same time, local business Voltex Alberton stepped forward with a generous donation of lighting for the Blue Crane Centre parking area.
Previously, runners relied on car headlights to illuminate their gathering spot in the pre-dawn darkness. The new lighting has already made the space feel safer and more welcoming, particularly during darker mornings.
The spirit of inclusion extends even further. PPT Social Run has partnered with PPS and TopGun Fitness to raise funds in support of Meyer and Bill du Plessis, a TopGun member who trains with a prosthetic leg. Funds raised have enabled Meyer to secure a second-hand racing wheelchair, helping her move closer to her competitive goals.
The initiative will also assist Du Plessis in obtaining a specialised sleeve to improve comfort as he continues his fitness journey.
For this Alberton community, strength is not defined by body type, but by mindset. Meyer and Du Plessis show up, put in the work and inspire those around them, and in return, the community shows up for them.
What stands in Alberton now is more than just a ramp and a light. It is proof that small gestures, driven by kindness and local leadership, can create meaningful change.
