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HEARTS-A-TWITTER: Former president Nelson Mandela

 The marathon reflects, in a symbolic way, the gruelling marathon that Nelson Mandela had to run to lay the foundation for the democratic and free South Africa that we currently enjoy 

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Mandela was captured on August 5 1962 near Howick and was incarcerated the following year and sent on Robben Island, where he spent a "marathon" 27 years behind bars.

"The marathon reflects, in a symbolic way, the gruelling marathon that Nelson Mandela had to run to lay the foundation for the democratic and free South Africa that we currently enjoy," uMgungundlovu district mayor Yusuf Bhamjee said yesterday.

Bhamjee said there was no better way to remember, honour and celebrate Mandela's selflessness to the betterment of the entire world than to have this marathon, which is a qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon.

"This race is a way for us to rekindle our special relationship with the great Nelson Mandela and say 'thank you for the life which symbolises the triumph of the human spirit," Bhamjee said.

He explained that Mandela had a long history, not just with Pietermaritzburg, but with the district as a whole.

"The starting point of the race, Manaye Hall in iMbali, was the venue for the All-In-Africa Conference organised by the ANC on March 25 1961," said Bhamjee.

"All political parties were invited but most backed off as they were not prepared to challenge the apartheid regime.

"At the hall, Madiba made a surprise appearance and addressed the gathering, even though he was on the run, already evading the police."

Bhamjee said sport contributed immensely towards social cohesion and nation building as well as towards attracting foreign investment.

"Participating and winning a marathon demands a lot from the participant. It requires hours of training, demands discipline and an understanding of the task at hand and test of character."

KwaZulu-Natal Athletics president Sello Mokoena said: "It is a special event to honour a special person. Sometimes, we as South Africans don't realise how fortunate we are to be in the same space, to breathe the same air with Mandela."

uMgungundlovu manager Sbu Khuzwayo said the city had made R1.5-million available for the race and, of the amount, R253000 was for prizes.

"We are talking to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and have engaged the Mandela family who gave us their blessings. We want to make this race to be among the top 20 international marathons in the next two years," Khuzwayo said.

He said entry for the race opens on July 18 to coincide with Mandela's birthday and closes 27 days later .

Comments

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Fri May 24 12:06:46 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 26, 2012

hulas

This is more exploitation of an old man than honoring him.Mandela this Mandela that.
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Jun 26, 2012

MGEEZ

hulas
This is more exploitation of an old man than honoring him.Mandela this Mandela that.
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Unfortunately everybody wants a piece of the old men and in the process many are creating a god (idol) out of him. Indeed his contribution to our freedom whether we agree with it or not is of noteworthy; however i must hasten to say that: he was not alone!!!! But then again; he(Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela) would be the first one to acknowledge that; i guess it's that attribute (humility), in these leaders that draws the public to them!!! Otherwise i am with you on this one.
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Jun 26, 2012

malemaforpresident

HOW MANY YEARS DID ROBERT SOBUKWE SPENT IN JAIL? RAISE YOUR HANDS
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Jun 26, 2012

MGEEZ

malemaforpresident
HOW MANY YEARS DID ROBERT SOBUKWE SPENT IN JAIL? RAISE YOUR HANDS =====================================================================
What has that got to do with this article? Sobukwe was jailed after he led the march that resulted in the sharp-ville massacre (in 1960) and was released in 1969. But i ask again what has that got to do with this article?
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Jun 26, 2012

nyobannahle!!!

MGEEZ
malemaforpresident
HOW MANY YEARS DID ROBERT SOBUKWE SPENT IN JAIL? RAISE YOUR HANDS =====================================================================
What has that got to do with this article? Sobukwe was jailed after he led the march that resulted in the sharp-ville massacre (in 1960) and was released in 1969. But i ask again what has that got to do with this article?
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Tshooooo!!!!! maybe he is trying to compare the two
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Jun 26, 2012

Papage

The bottom picture is so cool, is like Tata was trying to blend a sol. I am running this race, it is for the good, even though is arranged by Idians, they can be crooks you know.
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Jun 26, 2012

Kasiologist

@MGEEZ, you are and malemaforpresident are of the same opinion that the old man did not fight the struggle alone, just different way of expressing it.

Nevertheless, Tata has been exploited enough.
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Jun 26, 2012

Cure

I think it's enough now bathong, Mandela this Mandela that, did he fight alone? They are turning him into some South African god!!! We are grateful for what he did but he did not fight alone!!
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Jun 26, 2012

MGEEZ

@Kasiologist
@MGEEZ, you are and malemaforpresident are of the same opinion that the old man did not fight the struggle alone, just different way of expressing it.
Nevertheless, Tata has been exploited enough.
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I hear you!!!
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Jun 26, 2012

DjEp

no dru.gs please,
Nya.ope is not allowed!
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