Athlete turned future politician
KYALAMI- Aandy Mukona known as ‘Android’ or ‘Andy the machine’ is an athletics and political prodigy.
The sporty man was introduced to politics when he met Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe at a Mandela Day relay challenge last year. Deppe was the guest of honour at the event and handed the winners their trophies.
The 24-year-old has many athletic achievements in his sporting career thus far, and recently decided to pursue his interest politics.
Born and raised in Soweto, Mukona was surrounded by sport and athletics at a very young age, and he would often sprint around his neighbourhood trying to beat his own times. This sparked his passion for long distance sprinting and running, and officially began his career in 2006.
Mukona did not limit himself to road running and track sprinting, and he began training as a mountain biker and even Latin and ballroom dancing.
He is currently runs for Transnet Athletic Club.
He studied at the University of Pretoria where he obtained a diploma in sports management, and also joined the university’s track and field team where he was recognised for his athletic abilities.
He is currently studying transportation management at the University of Johannesburg.
Although Mukona and his team won the Mandela Day challenge, he was intrigued by Deppe’s passion and drive for her cause. He was invited for lunch with the councillor and a special relationship began. He is now Deppe’s intern, and works closely with the councillor at her offices in Kyalami.
“I am learning so much from her, I get to meet new people and be involved in an area that I didn’t know about and I feel inspired,” he commented.
Mukona said he would like to be a global icon and produce performances both in the political and athletic arenas that will go down in history. Although his passion for politics is new, he still believes he can bring change to the way politics is perceived in the country, and has a hunger to encourage younger generations to become involved.
“I keep setting annual goals for myself, and every year I come closer to achieving them. I believe that I’m still young and full of energy and anything is possible,” he added.
