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Anti-apartheid activist and businessman Tokyo Sexwale has encouraged people to join the 2017 Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run on December 10.
Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton at the launch of the event on Wednesday, Sexwale shared his memories from the time he spent with the former president Nelson Mandela in Robben Island to when they both served in South Africa’s first democratic government.
“Today we are gathered in a safe space to remember Madiba,” Sexwale said.
“In his name we always strive to remind people of his values in his long walk to freedom. This walk – and now run – symbolises a commitment to Madiba’s beliefs and ideals. There comes a time, as a country, when we walk and a time when we have to run,” he said.
The walk and run will start from the Union Buildings in Pretoria and will pass a number of heritage sights including the Palace of Justice, Lillian Ngoyi Square and the National Women’s Monument.
Last year 15 000 participants took part in the event. This year, however, entries have been capped at 20 000.
Sexwale announced this year’s theme “Remembering Madiba: Deepening democracy and building an inclusive society”. This was chosen as a reminder for all to reflect on the society and the world Madiba dreamt of.
Sexwale also used the metaphor of walking and running as a symbolism for what South Africans should do to catch up with the world.
“We are behind and must walk faster and run to address some of the promises that were made to the people.”
Registration forms are available at www.mandelawalkandrun.com
Closing date for entries is November 30.
