POLOKWANE – To raise awareness for social issues, spread love and inspire communities, athlete Malesela ‘King’ Mokonyama embarked on a 753km walk for Mandela Day.

Mokonyama began his journey on July 5 from the Polokwane Smelters before making the long journey to Musina and back, resulting in a 14-day trek.

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The 62-year-old athlete arrived back in Polokwane on Tuesday alongside SA Transplant Games champion Greg Serradinho who met him halfway in the city.

Their first stop was at the SABC Park where Mokonyama was welcomed by the Polokwane Pensioners Association (PPA) who supported him from the start of his journey as well as other residents.

Escorted by traffic officials, Mokonyama and the crowd made their way to the Martha Hofmeyr Old Age Home where he received another warm welcome.

“I feel honoured to have walked for a purpose and I hope the message was well received. I’m at peace now because the walk is finally done. I invite other athletes to join me next year so that we unite and do it together,” Mokonyama said.

In addition, the PPA donated goodie bags to Martha Hofmeyr residents filled with toiletries and refreshments in collaboration with Pam Golding.

The PPA’s Solly Ramodike told the Polokwane Observer that they were happy to see the smiles on the residents’ faces.

“We wanted to spend the day with them and coincide our Mandela Day initiative with Mokonyama’s arrival. We thank everyone who was part of his homecoming.”

Read more about Mokonyama in this week’s Polokwane Observer.