POLOKWANE – The founder of the Centenary Walk for Tata Foundation and the non-profit organisation which he established in 2018, Malesela ‘King’ Mokonyama (63) from Polokwane won the Golden Games in Mpumalanga on Saturday.
Mokonyama is the unchallenged record-holder of the 400m in the Golden Games within the active ageing programme’s men’s category which he won with pride, leaving a huge gap between him and other competitors towards the finish line.
He told Polokwane Observer that the purpose of his foundation is to travel the country raising money and awareness about social ills. Last July, Mokonyama embarked on a two-week campaign walk which he does annually, which commenced from the Polokwane Smelters Mine via Mogalakwena, and ended at the Jack Botes Hall on July 18 (Mandela Day).
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Through and during these walks, Mokonyama aims to relay and spread awareness of gender-based violence, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy, the importance of sport and fitness, and the fight against xenophobia.
“I would like people to join me some time when I do these walks, as it is really refreshing and rewarding.”