WATCH: Nditsheni Mathobo hopes his interprovincial run will raise chronic illnesses awareness
Mathobo’s long-distance run from Durban included a stop at Alrode’s Matase Industrial Solutions, in Alberton, where he was met with loud cheers and applause.
Long-distance runner Nditsheni ‘Gethe’ Mathobo arrived in Alberton after spending several days on the road. He is running to raise awareness for those living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
His journey began on July 21 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. One of his key stops took place on July 30, when he visited Matase Industrial Solutions in Alrode, Alberton, where supporters welcomed him with cheers and applause.
Matase Industrial Solutions became involved after Mathobo reached out to the generator manufacturer’s chief executive officer, Tapson Sadiki, for assistance.
@albertonrecord Tapson Sadiki from Matase Industrial Solutions commenting on their support for Nditsheni “Gethe” Mathobo’s interprovincial run. Mathobo is running to raise awareness about diabetes, cancer, & other chronic diseases. #NditsheniMathobo #Alberton #Alrode ♬ original sound – Alberton Record
“Mr Mathobo called us a few weeks ago to tell us he was running from Durban to Thohoyandou in support of people living with chronic diseases. We thought it was a good cause and decided to get involved. Now that he is in Alberton, we are very proud of his achievement. From here he heads towards Thohoyandou. We support him fully and appreciate the sacrifice he is making,” said Sadiki.
Mathobo is a seasoned Comrades Marathon runner who began participating in the annual ultramarathon in 2008. To date, he has entered 15 Comrades races, completed 11, and did not finish four.
Speaking to the Alberton Record, he said, “By doing this run, I want to show my support for those living with chronic diseases, while also preparing for the 2026 Comrades Marathon.”
A looming health crisis
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
@albertonrecord Nditsheni “Gethe” Mathobo is running in support of people living with cancer, sugar diabetes, and other chronic diseases. #NditsheniMathobo #Alberton #Alrode ♬ original sound – Alberton Record
In South Africa alone, deaths from major NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lower respiratory diseases increased by 58.7% over 20 years, from 103 428 in 1997 to 164 205 in 2018.
The median age at death was 65 for males and 69 for females. The data shows that males had higher age-standardised mortality rates for all NCDs compared to females.
Among population groups, Black South Africans had the highest age-standardised mortality rate at 203.46 per 100 000, followed by Indian and Coloured groups at 170.63 and 168.23 per 100 000, respectively. The White population had the lowest rate, at 111.14 per 100 000 in 2018.
These disparities may reflect a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, access to healthcare, dietary habits, behavioural practices, and other socio-economic influences.
1 080km on foot
Mathobo is scheduled to leave Alberton on July 31.
@albertonrecord Long-distance runner Nditsheni “Gethe” Mathobo has just arrived in Alberton from Durban. He is on his way to Vhembe District Municipality, in Limpopo. #Alrode #NditsheniMathobo #Alberton ♬ original sound – Alberton Record
His next stop will be Thembisa, followed by Pretoria, before beginning the final stretch to Thohoyandou in the Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo. His run will conclude at Thavhani Mall, which will mark the end of a journey spanning 1 080 kilometres from Durban, through parts of Gauteng, to Limpopo.
He has been on the road since July 21.
Follow Mathobo’s final stretch to Limpopo on Facebook.
