Celebrities grab a nappy and run

Maponyane and Cupido were among hundreds of people who donned a good old cloth nappy and joined the National Council for People with Physical Disabilities of South Africa’s annual Nappy Run in support of children with disabilities.

Having taken place at Johannesburg Zoo, the 5km fun run followed a scenic loop starting and ending at the historic bandstand at the centre of the zoo.

Some participants ran while others walked in an effort to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the care of the country’s estimated 2.1 million children with disabilities.

Since its inception in 2011, as a joint project with the National Association for Persons with Cerebral Palsy (NAPCP), the Nappy Run has collected sufficient funds and nappy donations to distribute more than 300 000 disposable diapers to non-governmental organisations, children’s homes, shelters and families in need.

The money raised by the Nappy Run is used specifically to ameliorate the high costs associated with the protective diapers required due to incontinence.

The deputy minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, indicated that according to the most current figures available, 467 000 children with disabilities between the ages of 7 and 18 years old, were outside the formal schooling system.

“In many cases, a simple intervention such as readily available protective wear could make a significant difference,” said national director, Therina Wentzel.

Prizes were awarded respectively to both the individual and the group that found the most creative way to wear a traditional cloth nappy.

Details: www.nappyrun.org.za