By Karabo Matalajoe
A wave of community spirit swept through Saturday morning,19 July 2025, as Rhodes Sports and Grocott’s Mail successfully hosted its Mandela Day 6.7km charity run. The event brought together many runners and supporters committed to making a difference through movement and generosity.
In true Mandela Day spirit, the event went beyond physical endurance to demonstrate the power of unity. Runners of all ages participated in this symbolic 6.7km distance. However, it was not just about the run; the event was crucial in its collection drive for the three local organisations: Meals After School, the SPCA, and Home of Joy.
Meals After School, which suffered a devastating fire earlier this year, received much-needed support through the donation collection. A box filled with non-perishable foods, snacks, milk, canned goods, and clothes was gifted to the founder, Limise Gagayi. These collected items will help sustain the programme’s operations while the hope to rebuild continues.
Gagayi expresses her gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the community. “The generosity I have witnessed from the community is amazing. There is a buddy fund started by Kingswood, and so far we have made R8000, which I was not expecting.” She further expressed that when her space burned down, many of her learners’ parents and community members came to help clean the space and assist in different ways.
The SPCA also received bags of pet food and treats for the animals and a cash donation, and the team from Rhodes Sports and Grocott’s Mail delivered these.
The Home of Joy drop-off happened yesterday (Thursday), and they received food and other items to help sustain them for the coming months. “As an organisation that does not rely on any funding, we rely on blessings. This is just another reminder that God is with us, we are so grateful for all the donations, they will really go a long way.”
The event closed with a session of aerobics from the Health Suite team, a short prize-gifting ceremony and a brief message of gratitude to the participants. The day truly showcased the true spirit of ubuntu, and everyone was able to take their steps, all in honour of charity and a reasonable cause.
