KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has congratulated the winner of 2016 Comrades Marathon David Gatebe and all other runners especially from South Africa and KZN in particular.

“We are particular impressed by the record-shattering performance of 5:18.19 clock stoppage which resulted in the breaking of the Russian’s Leonid Shvetsov’s 2007 record of 5:20.49.”

“Comrades Marathon is about endurance, determination and perseverance. I want to salute all the runners for being an inspiration to all of us. Importantly, I want to pay tribute to Bongumusa Mthembu for putting KwaZulu-Natal Province firmly on the map.”

“We are cognisant of the immeasurable global marketing opportunities offered by the Comrades Marathon. Having athletes from KwaZulu-Natal Province giving a sterling performance is a bonus. This will enhance our efforts aimed at positioning this province as a sporting and economic destination of choice always ready to host sports lovers, business tourists and all other categories of visitors.”

“I also want to express my appreciation to the leadership of Comrades Marathon Association and KZN Athletics for working with the KZN government and other sponsors to host the most successful Comrades Marathon.”

“We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all the runners from other provinces and different parts of the world who took part in the Marathon. We are extending an invitation to other runners to take part in the Mandela Marathon which is scheduled to take part in August.”

“Mandela Marathon provides an opportunity to preserve his legacy. After attaining democracy, our former President Nelson Mandela used sports to unite our people. Tata Madiba healed our wounds and established the rainbow nation very firmly. He set us on the path of nation building and prosperity and made us a respected member of the world community of nations.”

“He taught us that all South Africans have equal claim to this country, and that there can be no lasting peace unless all of us, black and white, learned to live together in harmony and peace.”

“As government we invite he people of this country and the world over to support the Mandela Marathon which is held annually in Pietermaritzburg.”

“The Mandela Marathon has grown in leaps and bounds as the result of the support of many associations including the Comrades Marathon Associations.”

“The Mandela Marathon is not only about running but it is aimed at mobilising society to preserve the legacy of Tata Mandela.

 

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier