MEC Zikalala to participate in the historic Inkosi Albert Luthuli Marathon
History will be made this Saturday (22 July 2017) when hundreds of athletes take part in a half marathon which will follow in the footsteps of Inkosi Albert Luthuli, Africa’s first Nobel Peace Laureate and one of the greatest leaders the African continent has ever produced.
Luthuli, who is also the former African National Congress President, led a successful defiance campaign against the oppressive South African government in the 1950s and died mysteriously 50 years ago when he was hit by a train.
The Luthuli legacy half marathon will also include a 11.5 kilometer legacy walk which will follow the path that Luthuli took on his final walk to the railway bridge where he met his untimely death.
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Mr Sihle Zikalala will take part in the half marathon which will start at 7:30 am at Inkosi Albert Luthuli’s Statue in KwaDukuza and end at the Groutville Sports field.
Highlighting the importance of the marathon, Zikalala described Luthuli as a liberation struggle giant who was recognized internationally for his efforts to end racial segregation in South Africa.
“I have decided to take part in the marathon to honour Inkosi Luthuli for the immeasurable contribution he made in different sectors. Luthuli excelled when he led the African National Congress, his church and as a traditional leader (inkosi). The activities that have been organized to honour him will not only assist us to remind ourselves about the role he played, but will also enable us to emulate him so that we can deal with the challenges we face today.”
For more information contact:
Bongani Tembe
Cell: 082 327 2600
Lunga Ngcobo
Cell: 083 288 9653 / 078 805 0035
Siyabonga Maphumulo
Cell: 082 330 5132
