At the beginning of the year the Icon’s Journey Marathon set strategic goals focusing on high-impact projects to pursue and achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
The United Nations, in its 2023 SDG report, reveals that six out of 10 people face significant challenges in obtaining an adequate food supply.
The chairperson of the Icon’s Journey Marathon Foundation, Nkosi Bandile Sangoni (ah! Vulithuba), said, “As a leader and guardian of human lives, I cannot idly witness the suffering and the loss of human potential being destroyed due to a lack of something to eat.
“I appeal to the world, especially to my local brothers and sisters who can afford to support our endeavour in running to end hunger and social injustice. The Icon’s Journey Marathon is gaining momentum and is joined by people who have decided not to be morally blind; people who believe that their lives matter as much as that of the hungry child.”
Since 2018 the Icon’s Journey Marathon has benefited about 8 000 needy learners with various necessities, such as shoes, sanitary towels, soccer kits, and other essentials. Although the race to end hunger is urgent, the Icon’s Journey aspires to build basic sports centres on the fringes of society, to help keep children away from the streets and crime.
The race to end hunger is not only about running, but it also provides many ways to help people participate. An eight-day-long 400km run will see 12 runners from eight different provinces running from Fort Hare University to the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha from July 14 to 21.
“I am told that food as small as a fist can feed a human being for a day. Together we can contribute numerous fists to keep our children alive and focused on their development. A size of a fist in kind or cash could bring joy and a smile to someone’s face. Although Absa has been the largest contributor to this event so far, with commitments spanning more than two years, we are also excited to see Kuwala Financial Services, a women-owned insurance company with the likes of Themba Mkhangeli, the designer of the R2 coin.
“Momentum is not only rising locally but also abroad, with the USA sending invites for Icons to partner with some learning institutions there, so that we can exchange knowledge in dealing with social issues.”
Colour Run
On June 23 the exciting inaugural fundraising Colour Run will take place in Mthatha. Proceeds from this event will go towards the 400km iconic challenge. Entries opened on May 31, and the first 200 entries receive Absa goodies like sun visors, shoe laces, and socks. Colour Run entries are available at Absa branches in Mthatha, Cathedral, Circus Triangle, Sutherland, and BT Ngebs mall.
On the weekend of July 18 to 21 the following will take place:
. July 19 – two day hiking event
. July 20 – cycling event
. July 21 – running event
Entries are available on www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com
