Mbhashe Local Municipality in Dutywa has urged all their residents to keep on supporting Real Gijimas Athletics Club runner, Yanga Malusi (26), who put Mbhashe area on the map because of his talent.
The remarks were made by the municipality’s Executive Mayor, Samkelo Janda, when handing over sportswear, running shoes, and supplements to the Gwadana Village-born athlete at a function hosted in Mbhashe last week.
Municipality officials and councillors, led by Janda, were part of the function which was organised to appreciate the excellent performance of Malusi in race competitions, and also encourage him to keep doing well.
Speaking during the event, Janda highlighted that Malusi is an inspiration to the young people and, as the municipality they are also committed to supporting the athlete who put Mbhashe’s name on the map.
“We are committed to supporting people that raise our flag high, and we want him to not only be an ambassador but to come back and ensure that he inspires and mentors young people like him,” said Janda who looked excited and happy to handover sports equipment to the Gwadana Village athlete.
He also applauded Malusi for representing South Africa, the Eastern Cape, and Mbhashe well in the 21km TCS London Marathon which was staged at England in April this year, where he managed to finish in seventh place and received a medal.
It was the first time in his life Malusi had competed outside the country, and he managed to impress by finishing in the top ten.
Janda is hoping that the running shoes, sportswear, and supplements will help him going forward, whenever he is preparing or competing for any race.
Malusi, in response to the gift he received from his local municipality, thanked Mbhashe for the support, and also said one of the challenges he faced was not having the correct footwear to run, as well as the proper supplements to aid him.
“As rural athletes, we have a tough time when we participate in these long distance races among people who are well supported and equipped, but this support will ensure that I will finish strong,” said the Real Gijimas Athletics Club runner who was visibly happy to receive gifts from his municipality.
Malusi also indicated that he was busy preparing to participate in the 42km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which is scheduled to take place in October, and he is aiming to do well in that event.
