Birthday whispers: It’s in your hands Africa-Mandela Day walk or run

It’s been a while since I wrote or posted anything on social media. During my time away, I usually reflect, rest or reset. What a better way than to reset on my birthday month. I believe July is the best time to reset because we are halfway through the year. Again, we need to pull away from the noise once in a while to listen to the inner man in us. Yes, I did just that, isolate, rest and reset. 

So, whenever I isolate myself I am not completely out of touch with the world. I am still so very much invested in what is happening around me at all times. That is when, I stumbled upon a post under the hashtag #RunningWithTumiSole made by newly appointed minister Gayton McKenzie. Basically, Gayton was just holding runners like myself accountable, like he does every morning. He was urging runners to wake up and exercise. 

Of course we do our best to get in the kilometers every morning and in his next post called out that we join him for the Mandela Walk or run. I was immediately sold and rushed to register for the 21km race. I know sometimes, I get overly ambitious and why not? Additionally, what attracted me to the race is the late iconic figure utata Nelson Mandela. As a South African citizen, I cannot overlook the struggle he fought for freedom and what he represented in our communities. His legacy lives long and we as Africans must find ourselves at the forefront of echoing his legacy. I personally count it an honour to have been governed by such a remarkable legend. 

Therefore, it is in the spirit of this legend that I signed up to run the half marathon race. I did this also to commemorate his love for sports and my love for running. This indeed was the best decision I have ever made. 

Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for premature deaths 

My training began long before the race entry, however I found it more fitting to share  information that impacts the athletics community.

The Health Policy Watch for Independent Global Health (2022) ‘’reported that air pollution is the second leading risk factor for premature deaths after malnutrition’’. Additionally, the London-based Clean Air Fund ‘’warned the economic costs of air pollution in African cities will increase by 600% over the next 18 years without urgent action’’. What was alarming were the African cities that are exposed to air pollution to date. 

South Africa being on the list as one of the African cities was closer to home. However, largely because of the health impacts associated with air pollution. Some ranging from common causes of lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and hypertension. It is alarming for myself to have to write about it and not express my concern. I think this is because transport, urban heating, cooling and power generators are what we are exposed to. 

A call to have precautionary measures before it’s too late

Now more than ever,  as the athletics community we need to engage more on air quality and air pollution on our platforms. The status of quality air monitoring was assessed by the CSIR in 2006 in the Transition Project. To date, for the most part ‘’air quality monitoring has been conducted by metropolitan and industry’’.  Read more on Ambient air quality monitoring and data availability. Through policy and intensive awareness campaigns within our athletics communities there is hope.

We need to join efforts to save Sports and Recreation before it’s too late.

On a lighter note, the race was fun. The over excitement got the better of me that I accidentally joined the wrong group and ran an extra six kilometers taking it now to 27km. I am not entirely disappointed in myself, these things happen right? 

In closing, how refreshing it was to see Mr Gayton McKenzie interacting with the runners and the people. He did not baiza hey. Sending love to him, tell him I say #DontBaizaWenaRun.

I am looking for a running club around the Westrand, please reach out to me if you have one in mind?

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. 

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country should I visit next? 

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices, #authenticstories  

Note: Please click on our ads on our website.