Mandela Walk & Run to mark 11 years since Madiba’s passing

The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run will be held on Sunday, December 8th to commemorates the 11 years since President Nelson Mandela’s passing.

The event offers an opportunity for South Africans and the international community to reflect on the strides made since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago and the challenges that remain.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation host the special event annually on the streets of Tshwane.

Over the years, it has attracted hundreds of thousands of participants who honour Madiba’s legacy and contribution.

This year’s event will start start and end in the shadows of the Union Buildings, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president, and takes in some significant historical landmarks on the route important to Madiba’s life’s journey.

It consists of a fun 5-kilometre walk, a 10-kilometre walk, and a 21-kilometre run.

“This year’s Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run will be especially significant as we mark 11 years since Madiba’s passing and celebrate his massive contribution to the pursuit of human dignity, equality, and a better life for all the country’s citizens.

This is an event we all look forward to eagerly on the calendar, and we are encouraging people to gather in numbers to celebrate and reflect on Madiba’s major contribution and impact on all our lives,” said the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s CEO, Prof Mbongiseni Buthelelzi

The event attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life. It promotes social cohesion, nation-building, and a healthy lifestyle—one of Madiba’s hallmarks.

“As the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, we are honoured to partner with the Nelson Mandela Foundation for this significant event. The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is a tribute to Madiba’s extraordinary leadership and to all those who stood with him in the fight for freedom, justice, and equality.

While honouring this legacy, we must also confront the work that remains, committing ourselves to the values of unity, inclusivity, and dignity for all. Let this be a day of reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to shaping a future worthy of the sacrifices made by our leaders and heroes.” said MEC Matome Chiloane, MEC for Education, Sports Arts & Culture

As we celebrate these advancements, it is essential to remember Mandela’s cautionary words: "After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."

These words call upon participants to continue striving for progress, recognising that the path to true equality and justice is ongoing.

While it is a social, festive occasion for casual runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes to remember Madiba, world-class runners such as Gerda Steyn and Stephen Mokoka have regularly participated over the years. These runners are big supporters of this meaningful Gauteng event.

A private wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Union Buildings to mark the tenth anniversary of Madiba’s passing.

Online entries are now open and available at www.mandelawalkandrun.com.

For those who cannot make it to the Union Buildings, you can run the virtual race from wherever you are.

Register at https://www.fundnation.org/mandela

Start Times

• 10 & 21 km run starts at 07h00 on Government Road at the Union Buildings

• 5 km walk starts at 09h00 on Government Road at the Union Buildings

Number Collection details

• Friday 6th December 20234 from 09h00 - 17h00 - Nelson Mandela Foundation - 107 Central Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg

• Saturday 7th December 2024 from 09h00 - 18h00 - Union Buildings Gardens Stanza Bopape street, Arcadia Pretoria