Norkem Park resident and founder of Light Work Projects (LWP), Lubuto Chitibwi, is preparing to run the African Bank Soweto Marathon Drive Sub 3 charity challenge on November 29 to raise funds for the Tawana Children’s Home.

Chitibwi said he chose the Soweto Marathon because of its reputation as one of the toughest races in the country, adding the challenge of attempting a sub-three-hour finish for a cause close to his heart.

“We aim to raise R20 000 to help cover the home’s municipal rates and to support children who qualified for the Light Work Birch Acres Tennis Club training programme. The funds will help ensure these young athletes have essential gear and equipment,” he said. “We believe that being part of a structured training programme can benefit them as they grow.”

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Chitibwi, who has run competitively for just over four years, has already completed two Soweto Marathons. He also finished the 2024 Comrades Marathon in 9 hours and 58 minutes on his first attempt. His Soweto Marathon times reflect steady progress, improving from 3:48 in 2023 to 3:27 in 2024. This year, he hopes to break the three-hour mark in honour of the children’s home.

He described the race as a demanding test, particularly the final 10 kilometres, which include a taxing uphill stretch.

To prepare, he has trained on routes that mirror the race’s hills and dips to build endurance and strength. His current routine includes three weekly runs and two days of strength and conditioning, incorporating speed and pace work.

Chitibwi said one of his biggest race-day challenges will be running without a support team at key points, but he embraces the difficulty as part of the journey.

He thanked members of the Light Work Birch Acres Sports Club, including Given Tibani and Loyiso Lujabe, for assisting with training, race preparation, tournament entry fees, running shoes, and nutrition.

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He said their support is crucial, especially as the club plans to expand by introducing running as an additional sporting code to help more young athletes succeed.

Reflecting on the cause, Chitibwi described Tawana Children’s Home as a haven for children from challenging and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The home accommodates nearly 28 children, from eight months to sixteen years old, offering a stable environment where they can focus on a better future rather than daily hardships.

However, the home faces ongoing financial pressure, particularly with municipal rates required to keep basic services such as electricity running. The charity drive aims to help ease this burden.

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The Light Work Birch Acres Sports Club previously worked with the home’s children and identified five who qualified for the club’s development programme, but transporting them to training and providing sports attire remain major challenges.

Chitibwi said the Light Work Projects slogan, “Lighting Tomorrow”, reflects their belief in empowering young people. He added that while running for a cause requires sacrifices, it forms part of his commitment to service.

His passion for sport, as a tennis player, coach, and runner, continues to motivate him. He sees sport as a powerful catalyst for positive change.

“I am also motivated by the opportunity to represent my community of Kempton Park and the East Rand. I remind myself to enjoy the journey and have fun, which keeps me calm and grounded,” he said.

Although he has no personal connection to the children’s home, he believes strongly in supporting the next generation.

His message to young people is to dream big, be relentless, give their all, face adversity bravely, and enjoy the process.

Chitibwi encouraged residents to support the initiative or follow updates via his Instagram profile @lubutochitibwi, the sports club’s page @eastrandsports on Instagram, or The Light Work Birch Acres Sports Club on Facebook.