Locals’ love of sport help raise malaria awareness

An eight-kilometre fun run kicked off Malaria Day festivities on Friday morning at 06:20 at the Ngwenyeni T-junction. The finish was at KaMaqhekeza Stadium, where the rest of the campaign was presented.

Locals, both young and old, participated in the race with great enthusiasm. Among them were athletes from last year’s Comrades Marathon, who joined in to offer support to the participants. Several senior citizens also completed the race, showing agility and determination, despite their age.

“The objective of the fun run was to encourage locals and create awareness on a healthy lifestyle,” said Chris Nobela from the Department of Health.

This tied in with the department’s efforts to reduce malaria-related deaths, and to urge the community to make use of local health-care facilities.

The first runner to cross the finish line was 21-year-old Steve Hlongwane, followed by Thabiso Mashele (19). Nomvula Sithole (17) was the lady to arrive first.

The top-10, after Hlongwane and Mashele, were Prince Mashele (19), Themba Lekhombe (15), Jeremiah
Silindza (19), Simphiwe Maliba (23), Simphiwe Makhanya (21), Alex Madonsela (20), Aubrey Mabuza (25) and Sicelo Nkalanga (23).

Winners of in the various categories:
• 11-15: Innocent Lamula (15)
• 16-19: Frans Nhlemo (16)
• 17-29: Nomvula Sithole (17)
• 30-39: David Mpika (31)
• 40-49: Elias Mabuza (43)
• 50-59: Jeremiah Thabethe (52)
• 60-69: Nokuthula Khoza (64)
• 70-79: Rose Nkuna (76)
• 80+: Eva Fakude (81).

The programme continued with exhilarating soccer matches at the stadium. The senior ladies warmed up the field and showed the youngsters how it was done, with the match ending in a draw of two goals each.

Players from the health department joined those of social development to face and defeat the local boys, Kobus Young Team, by 2-0.

Emma “Ruby” Hlatshwayo was named woman of the match and Evans Sambo was crowned man of the match.