WEDNESDAY morning had selected members of the media as well as representatives of various stakeholders descend on Sanctuary Mandela in Houghton, Johannesburg for the media launch of the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series – a four event mobilisation of thousands of walkers, runners and cyclists to participate in the name of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
Launched ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day under the theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality” – the initiative will unfold during a period which will mark 27 years since the late statesman established the Nelson Mandela Foundation and 27 years since he handed over power as South Africa’s first democratically elected President – as well as mirroring the 27 years he spent imprisoned in the struggle for freedom.
The brainchild of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, it is geared to serve as a unified platform which will bring together major sporting initiatives aimed at driving social impact, promoting active citizenship, and honouring Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy.
Over the years, the Foundation and its partners have mobilised thousands of walkers, runners, cyclists, and supporters through sporting initiatives rooted in solidarity, remembrance, and social impact.
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series extends that call through sport, participation, and collective action, encouraging individuals and communities to play an active role in creating positive social change.
Inspired by Madiba’s belief in the power of sport to unite people and drive social change, the series positions participation as a vehicle for mobilisation and collective impact, inviting people from across South Africa and the region to take part in initiatives which extend beyond competition to create meaningful change in communities.
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series now brings these established moments together under one unified platform, while also expanding the movement through new opportunities for participation and impact, including the introduction of the Nelson Mandela Marathon in Cape Town.
The series will kickstart with the Mandela Day Walk & Run around Johannesburg on July 19; the Legacy Ride4Hope – a cycling tour which will commence from Maputo in Mozambique and conclude at Howick in KwaZulu-Natal from September 2 to 5; the Nelson Mandela Marathon, around Cape Town, scheduled for October 18; and will culminate in the Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run around Tshwane on December 5.
Together, these events form a shared journey of participation, reflection, and action, connecting communities across cities, regions, and generations through sport and social impact.
At a launch attended by Madiba’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela and compered by renowned sportscaster Robert Marawa, partners spearheading the quadruple events, namely Emmy Cassalleti-Bwalya (Mandela Day Walk & Run), Luthando Kaka (Ride4Hope), Thabo Sephoma (Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run) and Bruce Parker-Forsyth (Nelson Mandela Marathon Cape Town) addressed the gathering about plans for the events.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi said: “The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series brings together established moments of participation and impact under one platform, while creating new opportunities to mobilise people around active citizenship, solidarity, and social justice.”
More than a series of sporting events, the initiative is a call to action — encouraging people to walk, run, and ride in support of causes that promote dignity, equality, and opportunity. Funds raised through the series will contribute to programmes aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance social justice, dialogue, and community upliftment.
A media release stated that the Nelson Mandela Foundation views the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series as an evolving platform that can continue to welcome new initiatives, partnerships, and forms of participation in the years ahead.
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, reinforcing the belief that everyone has a role to play in shaping a better future.
Registrations will open soon. Members of the public, corporate partners, and community organisations are encouraged to participate, support, and amplify the movement.
For more information and registration details, visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Top Image Jacob MAWELA (Nkosi Zwelivelile Dalibhunga Mandela, limned addressing delegates at the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series launch, held at the Sanctuary Mandela, Houghton, Johannesburg.)
