The MAYOR of Mzinyathi District Municipality, Thembisile Mchunu, has appealed to businessmen to sponsor the Prince Mangosuthu Ultra Marathon because of the economic difficulties of the municipality.
Mchunu said this when the 52km race was launched at Phindangene Palace, Lundi, yesterday.
This race was established in 2019 by the Mzinyathi District Municipality with the aim of honoring Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
This year there will also be a 10km race. It will be run on August 16 from Princess Magogo Building, Dundee, to Nquthu Sports Field, Nquthu.
Due to the issues facing the Mzinyathi Municipality, the awards have returned to 2024 and 2023.
Last year, the runner who won the 52km race for men and women won R150 000, the runner-up was R50 000.
This year, the bronze medalist will take home R100 000, second place will receive R50 000, and third place will receive R25 000. For 10km it is R5000, second is R2 500, third is R2000.
“Because we are not in a good financial position as a District Municipality, we could not organize this race in the month it is usually run, which is April.
But out of respect for the dignity of the Prince of KwaPhindangene, we felt that we should not rush to organize a race if the situation does not allow it.
This race plays a major role in boosting the economy of the cities of Dundee and Nquthu, which it meets.
So we appeal to all businessmen who can support us in sponsoring the race as we are still struggling as a municipality,” said Mchunu.
The King of Buthelezi, Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi who is the son of Prince Mangosuthu, commended all those who continue to promote the contributions and heritage of his father.
“I would like to begin by thanking the Mzinyathi Municipality for continuing to strive to preserve the heritage of my father, Prince Mangosuthu, for continuing to organize this race despite the challenges it is facing.
There are those who continue to ignore his contributions, who want to change even the buildings named after him.
In short, I and the Buthelezi family are happy to see the continued recognition of my father’s contributions,” said Prince Zuzifa, who wished good luck to the runners who will participate in the race.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Nquthu Municipality, Zama Shabalala, and Ndumeni Municipality, Mcebo Mkhize, and various chiefs from Mzinyathi Region and Zululand Region, including Prince Thulani Zulu and Prince Mpiyakhe Buthelezi who is the spokesperson of the King, Misuzulu of Zwelithini.
Last year in this race, the winner was Onalenna Khonkhobe of Nedbank Running Club with a time of 2:56:40, second was Ayanda Ngcobo of Xcel Running Club with 2:56:54, third was Sboniso Sikhakhane of Entsika Athletics with 2:57:15.