Midrand run pays tribute to victims of gender-based violence
MIDRAND – The walk was hosted at the Big Red Barn in Midrand on 22 May where guests walked 29 kilometres or could do 5, 10 or 20 kilometres by choice depending on whether they were incapable of doing the full distance.
Midrand community members dedicated a 29km run on 22 May to commemorate the life of Sibongile Zenzile, who was killed during a domestic violence incident in 2019.
Yellow for Survivors, a non-profit company, together with supporters from the public, Go Purple Foundation and the Kuselo Child Protection dedicated their run to Zenzile. The walk was hosted at the Big Red Barn in Midrand where guests were able to walk either 29km or shorter.
Leilani Kuter, founder of Yellow for Survivors, started doing dedication walks in December 2019 to commemorate the victims of gender-based violence and individuals who have managed to survive attacks of such a nature.
As a survivor herself, Kuter started the non-profit to raise awareness about abuse and raise funds for victims. “It was established to provide survivors of rape and gender-based violence with resources and safe spaces to find the support they need to start healing after severe, life-changing experiences.”
She added, “These fundraisers include anti-rape technique sessions and videos, dedications walks throughout the country, giving a voice to the voiceless and enabling them to take back their power.”
Kuter, said that the late Zenzile would have turned 29 this year which was why they decided to walk 29km to commemorate her life. “Unfortunately, we cannot bring her back but we can show the family that we care and want to be there for them,” she concluded.
The father to Zenzile, Zamelani Ncancashe expressed how he felt after seeing the support his family received from the community. “I am very overwhelmed by the support and the honour that has been given to my late daughter by the organisers. It is a relief to myself, my wife and our entire family as people have shown us that we are not alone under this dark cloud.”
Ncancashe concluded, “We just want to convey our sincere gratitude to the [humanity] that everyone has showed, this will help us heal emotionally even though it is something that will take time to gradually happen.”
The man convicted of killing Zenzile was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
Details: Yellow for Survivors 071 883 3346 / 082 686 5703.
