MTN half-marathon raises funds for ICT in education

MTN's third edition of the annual MTN 21km half-marathon has been growing steadily since inception, and this year the race has boasted just over 6 100 participants.

In thanking participants, Mteto Nyati, CEO of MTN South Africa, expressed he is humbled that members of the public, media and the Gauteng community made the time to pledge support to this worthy cause by strapping on their running shoes and participating in the race to raise funds for the annual MTN 21 Days of Y'ello Care programme (an employee volunteerism programme).

This year the participants enjoyed the clear and dry winter Joburg weather that allowed for better qualifying times and a more exuberant run. The good weather also encouraged numerous supporters, of which the Deputy Minister was a member, to attend and encourage the runners.

Eastern Cape Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC, Pemmy Majodina, said: "As one of the beneficiary provinces of this initiative, we decided to come all the way from the Eastern Cape to take part in this programme in order to show our gratitude. MTN, through its Foundation, has been working with us for years helping equip needy schools with ICT learning equipment, and this is why we are embracing this programme."

David Manja, winner of the R21 000 who won the half-marathon in 01:06:19, said: "This is a well organised and well attended run, which makes it really fun. The fact that the run is for such a worthy cause makes the run and the victory so much sweeter. It feels great to have contributed to the upliftment of education."

This year's race was dedicated to raising funds for ICT in education. All the proceeds raised through the event have gone towards procuring a 40-seater state-of-the-art computer laboratory at Christel House.

Nyati said: "We leave in unequal society and our contribution will go a long way in brightening the lives of those in need as the laboratory will aid learners from low-income families that do not have access to ICT tools in the Western Cape area."

MTN SA Foundation would like to thank and congratulate the over 6 100 runners that braved the cold to participate in this event in support of MTN's annual 21 Days of Y'ello Care 2016 campaign.

"We are truly encouraged by the numbers that came today; the event was oversubscribed, we plan to improve on our contingency planning in the next coming years, focusing on security and logistics," said Nyati.