Issued by: Office of the Deputy President
19 June 2001
Deputy President Jacob Zuma today sent the attached letter of congratulations to Inspector Andrew Kelehe on his Comrades Marathon victory on June 16, 2001.
Inquiries:
Lakela Kaunda, Spokesperson
Cell 082 782 2575
19 June 2001
Inspector Andrew Kelehe
P.O. Box 403
Pretoria
0001
CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING COMRADES MARATHON 2001
It gives me great pleasure to send you this congratulatory message following your tremendous Comrades Marathon victory on 16 June 2001.
Your success in this most gruelling and the toughest ultra-marathon in the world indeed signals the triumph of the human spirit in overcoming challenges. Your victory stands out, not only because you broke the stranglehold of foreign runners in recent years and recorded the second fastest "down" run, but because it was a triumph tinged with tragedy.
Please receive my belated condolences for the loss of your daughter, Rejoice, to whom you dedicated your victory. Yet, her spirit, no doubt, spurred you on to this wonderful feat on the 25th Anniversary of June 16.
Your determination and perseverance will indeed serve as a beacon for all South Africans, especially the youth, to realise that anything can be achieved if one applies him or herself to it, irrespective of obstacles.
Your sixth Comrades gold medal and the manner in which you won the race have made our country proud, not to mention the South African Police Service which now has a celebrity in its ranks!
Please receive my warmest regards and congratulations, to you and your wife Rose.
Yours faithfully,
JACOB G ZUMA
DEPUTY PRESIDENT: REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA