Africa-Press – South-Africa. Thanks to a KwaZulu-Natal woman’s determination to help raise funds for a rural school through competitive running, a rural school in Dukuduku Reserve, Mtubatuba now has an administration block and toilets.
Nontu Mgabhi, a professional runner who has completed some of the most gruelling running feats in human history, says she has always been inspired to help rural schools because she came from that background.
She made headlines when she helped Khiphinkunzi Primary School raise R1.7 million to build new classrooms for 675 pupils in 2021. Back then, she ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, resulting in five new classrooms being built in February 2021.
“After the success of the first project, I felt more can still be done. It is for this reason that I ran Marathon des Sables to raise funds to build an administration block and toilets for the school.
“The school’s dignity has been restored. It is now a fully functional school that is conducive to learning and development. The goal is now to also look for other schools to impact. One school or one learner at a time.”
Speaking about the Marathon des Sables, Mgabhi said she liked to choose the toughest foot races on Earth “because they build my character”.
She said:
“I too come from the rural village of Mseleni. I know how hard it is to dream about something you don’t see, to push, despite everything, and to feel invisible. I have therefore made it my life purpose to make children from rural villages feel seen because they too do matter and they are good enough.”
The Marathon des Sables was a challenge, Mgabhi admitted, with the race having a 50% success rate.
“The conditions in the desert were tough with heat going up to 56 degrees and having to run, carrying all your food, sleeping material and water. It’s a test of endurance.”
Mgabhi doesn’t just race to rebuild schools and challenge herself, she also does it to inspire rural children.
She said:
“In fact, they can take the baton and run faster than me. We are writing a new narrative here. Genius is equally distributed, it’s the opportunities that aren’t. I would like to extend these opportunities to those in the corner,” she added.
Humbling to see the school come together
Mgabhi said she was humbled to see the Khiphinkunzi Primary School come together after years of running and sponsorships.
“It goes to show that alone, one can run fast, but as a team, we run far. A big thanks goes out to the generous donors who believed in my dream, and who have supported my purpose.
“I am passionate about seeing people’s lives change for the better. I am passionate about education and giving the previously disadvantaged a fair chance at success.”
She encouraged others to do their bit to help poor communities.
“We all have something to offer. It may be to help a child in need with school shoes or to mentor. If you cannot feed a thousand families, feed just one.
“We should never [underestimate] the power of taking an action, no matter how small. When we give we also receive because we are building better communities that we will be proud to be part of.”
What’s next for Mgabhi?
The next venture for Mgabhi is in March at the Ultra Asia Race – Canal Adventure.
The goal is to raise funds to buy at least 300 school shoes for three rural schools, including Kwa Nhlamvu Primary School, New Era Primary School and Mseleni Primary School.
She invited those who wish to support her cause to send an email to [email protected]
You can also donate directly on https://www.backabuddy.co.za/primary-school-children.
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