SPONSORED | Mathews Phosa Marathon invests in community

The Dr Mathews Phosa Half Marathon is more than just a race; it drives initiatives that make a real difference in the community. This year’s event, held on Saturday, August 23, supported early childhood development (ECD) centres, differently-abled athletes and organisations working to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

There were short-distance events, which were free to enter. More than 100 children were earmarked to benefit from inclusive sports advocacy programmes. The learners who participated in these events came from KaMagugu Inclusive, Dasha Foundation and Pro Gratia Learning Centre. Chantal Middel-Boven, who co-ordinates this pillar, represented Dasha.

In the first year of the race, more than 200 ECD practitioners received bursaries. To date, over 160 ECD practitioners have graduated after being supported to enrol for levels 4 and 5 qualifications. Applications to study open on September 3, with classes scheduled to start at Sodic College on February 2, 2026.

Those interested in pursuing careers in ECD may register for the National Diploma. Sixty bursaries are available for the next academic year.

A march was also held after the race to raise awareness about GBVF.

The GBVF programme is run by the SA Men First Foundation on behalf of the Dr Mathews Phosa Marathon.

According to Mpumalanga NPO Association secretary-general Sipho Zitha, the foundation promotes the South African National and Provincial Strategic Plan on GBVF and participates in the Mpumalanga Provincial Council on GBVF, headed by the provincial premier. This contributes to efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of domestic and intimate partner violence.

“We offer social work, as well as psychological and legal services, to couples in intimate relationship distress. We are operating at Macadamia Medical and Health Centre and the SA Men First Health and Wellness Centre in White River. Our services are for clients qualifying as indigent, and we further extend partial complimentary services to those in temporary financial constraints,” Zitha said.

He added that they also run a high school ambassadors programme.

“This recently added pillar focuses on identifying collaborations with high schools to enhance resource mobilisation for quintile 1 and 2 schools. This year, more than 400 learners from the White-Hazy Circuit (1 and 2) participated in the Dr Mathews Phosa Marathon race, soccer and other activities.”

Zitha said the event was made possible by contributions from sponsors, and that they greatly appreciate every contribution made.

The sponsors include:

• Sodic Holdings
• Phatsema Projects and supplies
• Enexi Solutions
• Rob Ferreira High School
• St Francis Production
• Lowveld Media
• MDM Hydro Solutions
• Bopha Logistics
• Agape Water
• Coastal Hire White River
• Department of Education (White-Hazy Circuit 1-2)
• aQuelle
• Infinity Creations
• Entry Geek
• Unity Technologies
• Fitness Guru
• Mpumalanga TV
• Phosa Legacy Assets (Pty) Ltd
• Build It White River
• SA men First Foundation
• Bayile Investments
• Raymond Nyathi Promotions
• Ndabezitha Human Capital
• Uniwisp
• Unix Technologies
• Day 8Ight Design And Photography.