Emalahleni – Value Meat Real Braai, a local shisanyama in Ackerville, hosted its first-ever Groove Marathon under the slogan #NotInMyName to raise awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the area.
“The aim of this event is to bring awareness [about] GBVF and to give back to the people who were victimised,” said organiser Innocent Letlaka. “Moving forward, I hope that the next Groove Marathon will be bigger and better.”
The event, which took place on Saturday, 05 July, was supported by a strong lineup of local sponsors such as Lifestyle Pinnacle Gym, Veppes Premium Style (VPS), representatives of the Provincial Mpumalanga Ms Ambassador 2024, 1 Goal Football Academy, Kakaramba foundation, Detox Water international and Afrigrit.
The event was further uplifted by the presence of celebrity socialite Zodwa Wabantu, who showed her support for the cause and added her signature energy to the day’s celebrations.
Sexual offence cases in Mpumalanga continue to increase. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Fourth Quarter crime statistics highlight that Mpumalanga is at an all-time high for sexual offences.
Between January and March 2025, SAPS recorded a total of 1,027 sexual offences that have occured in the province. The highest was rape at 837, followed by sexual assault at 123, attempted sexual offences at 45 and lastly, contact sexual offences at 22.
The Highveld Chronicle also reported earlier about Cascar Nkosi (39) accused of a staggering 26 counts of rape and kidnapping involving minor girls aged between 7 and 13 around eMalahleni. He also faces a separate charge of rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), stemming from an incident involving his wife.
Despite such high rates of sexual offences, the participants were far less than what the organisers had initially anticipated considering the event had been promoted since June in Facebook. Only about 50 people, mostly male, participated in the event.
The marathon featured both 5km and 10km routes, with spirited competition and an electric atmosphere throughout the day. Bophelo ambulance services and traffic officers were on-site to ensure the safety of all runners.
Winners were awarded with trophies, and in true Groove Marathon style, some participants were treated to complimentary drinks after the race. While others walked away with a three month membership from Lifestyle Pinnacle gym.
“This was a great exercise for everyone that participated. Hopefully next year it will attract more people,” said an elated Jetro Sithole, the 10km male winner.
The Groove Marathon #NotInMyName has set the tone for a new kind of activism and the message was clear: GBVF has no place in our society, and this community is ready to stand up and to speak out.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to victims of GBVF.
10km Race Highlights
- 1st Place (Men): Jetro Sithole – finishing in under 45 minutes
- 2nd Place (Men): Elias Koka
- 3rd Place (Men): Siseko Mbhejisana
- 1st Place (Women): Philandi Tiadi
- 2nd Place (Women): Cindy Simelani
5km Race Highlights
- 1st Place (Men): Sipho Bashile
- 2nd Place (Men): Bongumusa Masango
- 3rd Place (Men): Banele Khumalo
