In celebration of Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy, runners of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium on July 19 for the Mandela Day Walk & Run 2025.
The event featured 5km, 10km, and 21.1km distances, attracting elite athletes, fun-runners, and families united by a shared spirit of patriotism and remembrance.

Read more: Braving the chill at Bryanston Parkrun

Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton Mackenzie led the 21.1km half-marathon and brought both humour and heartfelt pride to his post-race address.

“Parliament set a new rule this morning that you can’t pass a minister during the race, so please be law-abiding citizens,” he joked to roaring laughter. “South Africa is a great country. We are all children of Nelson Mandela. There’s Mandela in all of us. We are the greatest country in the world, best in rugby, cricket, and soccer. Just look at Bafana Bafana… 19 games unbeaten.”

Rebaone Obotseng (22), of the Distance Run Club, clinched back-to-back victories in the 10km race, despite feeling under the weather and not being fully prepared. “I’m happy that I got the win today. It’s my second time winning this race. I had to come back and defend my title. I wasn’t feeling well because I ran last week, and I didn’t prepare specifically for this one, but I gave it everything I had left.”

Obotseng added that this year’s route was tougher than expected. “It’s quite hilly. I thought I had memorised the route, but following the lead car as it twisted and turned, I kept asking myself: ‘When am I finishing?’. I was on pace for a better time at 8km, but the last two hills got to my head. Still, I maintained the pace because I had already gapped the field.”

He finished in just over 32 minutes, a time he was disappointed with. “To run a good race at altitude, you have to be under 30. That’s the benchmark.”

In the 21.1km event, 27-year-old Honest Mathe, from Waterfall City Athletic Club, made a triumphant return to racing after a three-month break. “This was my first race in months, and I’ve always wanted to run it. It was challenging, but the atmosphere, the crowd, the water points… It was fantastic. Honestly, it’s one of the best races I’ve ever done in my life.”

Mathe used the race as preparation for the upcoming Sanlam Marathon, with the hilly course giving him a clear picture of where he needs to improve. “I’ve been doing long runs, but not enough speed work. Today challenged me, but I told myself: ‘Push through and just maintain pace’.”

@caxtonjoburgnorthThousands of runners from all ages filled the streets around DP World Wanderers Stadium on July 19, 2025, for the annual Mandela Day Walk & Run. #DPWorldWonderers #Mandeladay♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

He praised the community support that carried him through the toughest sections. “I came here just for fun, but the crowd, and the people who know me, kept cheering me on. That energy made me push harder.”

Mathe added that the Mandela Day Walk & Run is more than just a competitive race; it’s a moment for reflection, celebration, and unity. “It’s not about being the fastest; it’s about showing up, being part of something bigger. Everyone should come, slow or fast; it’s about Mandela, about doing something for a cause.”

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