South Africans will once again unite today and take to the streets of Tshwane in honour of the much-loved global icon, the late Nelson Mandela.
Spearheaded by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department of Arts and Culture, the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day will be held to demonstrate the depth of South Africans’ commitment to the late president’s vision of sports and culture as nation builders and a unifying force for a cohesive society.
More than 25 000 people are expected to take part in the event and the day will feature a cycling race, a road running race, a run/walk race and a fun walk.
A concert featuring the likes of songbird Lira and hip-hop artist AKA will entertain the crowds at the Union Buildings.
Said Tshwane mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa: “The Union Buildings is a very significant place for this event to be held; firstly, it was the very same place where our first democratically-elected president was inaugurated.
“Secondly, its in the heart of the capital city with the iconic Mandela statue as a backdrop.”
First to kick off the event at 6am will be cyclists at Loftus Stadium.
In remembrance of the 67 years Mandela devoted to social activism, cyclists will have a 67km race with the route passing by many historical landmarks and monuments. There will be cash prizes for the top finishers for all events.
The 27km road running challenge winner – like the cycle winner – will get R100 000, while the charity of their choice receives R50 000.
The distance of this race is in commemoration of the 27 years Mandela spent in prison.
- Pretoria News Weekend