By Selenathi Botha
On 26 October 2023, Hoërskool P.J Olivier and the Rapportryers, a service and cultural organisation based in Makhanda, hosted a 5KM Fun Run and Walk to raise funds for the Foster Care, Old Age Homes, Settlers Close and the Oakhaven. There was a total of 432 people who participated in the race.
This event has been held annually for the past 26 years with the help of the community and businesses that sponsor the event. Learners and teachers from local schools in Makhanda participating in the Fun Run included those from Victoria Girls’ High School, Graeme College, Kingswood College and Diocesan School For Girls (DSG).
For this year’s Fun Run, beneficiaries Makhanda and District War Memorial Association have two retirement centers operating since 1950.
According to the Chairperson of the Makhanda and District War Memorial Association, Brian Fargher, the money made from the race will go to retirement centres in Makhanda that house social grant recipients. Fargher was ecstatic about the race’s success, saying, ”I feel fantastic about this event because we get to be beneficiaries for this year. The money will be in good use. Some will go to security such as bob wires, fence and razer wire so everyone in the centre can feel safe”.
The top three performers in male and female categories were awarded various prizes. The first prize was R650, the second prize was R250, and third prize was R150 for winners in each category. The male prize winners were Sisa Camagu in first place, Lubabalo Bokuva in second place and Ceejay Porthen in third place.
In the female category, Lauren Ranger came in first place, Terri-Lynn Penney came in second place, and Cecile van Schalkwyk came in third place. Other participants also received prizes for participating in the event.
Strauss de Jager, Chairperson of the Rapportryers said about the event: “It was just an amazing day. Everything was successful. People are happy and mingling; it’s such a joy to see that. But in all that, I would like to thank everyone who sponsored or supported this event and made it possible all these years”.
