Comrades of all ages take to road

DRIEKOPPIES – Nkomazi West was painted black and yellow on Saturday morning when the ANC held its 13,7-kilometre marathon from Matsamo’s border gate to the offices in town.

A 19-year-old Albert Zikode of Mzinti is now the owner of a brand-new Toyota Etios, after he defeated the hundreds of participants and crossed the finish line first.

“I am excited about this. All the time I took to prepare has paid off, I have a car now. I’m so grateful and I will gladly take the terms and conditions it comes with, because I love the ANC, it is my home.

I just can’t wait to get home so I can celebrate with my family,” said the ecstatic Zikode.

The race which was graced by deputy minister of rural development and land reform, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, and other ANC dignitaries such as Nkomazi mayor, Cllr Thulisile Khoza.

Bikers, led by the popular Trompies, were also there to add flair to the event.

“The winner of the grand prize will definitely own the new car, but it has terms and conditions. The branding stays on until after the 2016 local government elections, and he is expected to attend ANC events, as part of the brand endorsement,” said

Mr Michael Ngwenya, affectionately known as Ngrayi, ANC regional chairperson of Ehlanzeni.

“This idea was fronted by the love we have for the people, we just wanted to get together and celebrate the ANC, while we keep healthy. The ANC cares about the people and their well-being.

This was one of the many ways in which we show that. We all came together, united in the race, and today, one of us is the owner of a brand-new car,” said Cllr Simon Mabuza, chief whip of Nkomazi Local Municipality.

A 17-year-old Nomvula Sithole of Naas, who came first in the women’s category, walked away with a new bedroom suite, while the overall top five received refrigerators. The rest of the top 20 had extra cash after the race, as they were awarded
R1 000 each.

The day was concluded in the African way, through song, dance, and lots of meat.