Mention Nyanga and the first thing that springs to mind is probably a township that is riddled with crime.
But in an effort to rid the community, which has over the years been dubbed the country’s “murder capital,” of high crime rate, residents took to the streets to participate in a fun walk on Africa Day, May 25.
Young and old took to the rough streets of the community at the crack of dawn with one mission in mind – fighting crime through sport.
Organiser Reuben “Ngcane” Mxinwa told Vukani that the idea came after they realised that most residents were passionate about running and wanted to take part in an event closer to home.
But more than anything, it was also about changing people’s perceptions about Nyanga and bringing people together.
“The response has been overwhelming. Over the years we’ve had people not only from Nyanga coming here to participate. They love what we are doing and think it is a great idea that they would even love to start in their own communities.
Working with the local stakeholders we have managed to put together this event annually and we would love to see it growing even further,” said Mr Mzinwa.
Councillor Noluthando Makasi sang the organiser’s praises, saying an initiative like this was long overdue.Â
“We are fully behind them. Such initiatives help to get the youth out of the streets. I am happy with the success that this fun walk has been enjoying. We will keep lending a hand to them,” she said.
Resident Thuleka Duze, who was among the runners who participated, urged people to look after their health by taking part in fun walks and running.
An established personal trainer, Ms Duze, said people could overcome ailments such as high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure through exercising.
“It’s not about joining a gym or buying products and paying huge fees. It starts by walking around your community as we are doing today,” she said. Â