June 4, 2003
By Bongani Majola
NEWTOWN geared itself this week for the inaugural Johannesburg half-marathon race, to coincide with the official opening of the Nelson Mandela Bridge on 20 July.
Gauteng MEC for finance and economic development, Jabu Moleketi, announced a charity organisation to benefit from the proceeds of the Blue IQ Joburg City Challenge.
The Johannesburg-based charity organisation, Hope Worldwide, will channel the money to its Siyawela Community Childcare, which provides counselling and support to HIV/Aids infected and affected children, Moleketi announced.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, Moleketi urged members of the public to participate in the race to show support for the reconstruction of the city and to contribute to the welfare of the city's underprivileged children under the care of Hope Worldwide.
"The incredible amount of work being done by Hope Worldwide to alleviate the plight of the orphaned and infected children makes them a deserving charity organisation to benefit from the race," said the MEC.
The 21km Blue IQ Joburg City Challenge half-marathon carries R175 000 in prize money for the winner and is expected to draw international and local athletes to participate. Other race events include a 10km road race, a 5km fun run for the less athletic, a 5km wheelchair event, a 400m race for children and a celebrity mile for invited track athletes.
Moleketi encouraged members of the press to join the challenge, as he himself has entered the 21km half-marathon.
Meanwhile, Newtown stakeholders are gearing up for the opening of the Nelson Mandela Bridge on 20 July, according to a statement by Blue IQ. "A special task force of volunteers is developing a programme of activities for all the visitors in Newtown on that day."
The opening will take the form of a festival of running, with the Blue IQ Joburg City Challenge as the premier event. And to make the day appeal to a wider audience, Newtown stakeholders are opening their doors to showcase their talents.
"A recent addition to the Newtown family of entertainment and cultural venues, the Drum Café, will host drumming sessions for young and old alike. Those who have experienced this activity are sure to want to repeat it and for others who have never had the opportunity, participate in the magic music of hundreds of drums," said the statement.
There will also be a Crafters Market on the grass and people from the Bus Factory Craft and Design Centre will be displaying their magnificent home- grown talents and selling their wares.
All the restaurants in Newtown will be open. With a range of fare, there's a branch of Moyo, Shivava Cafe, Couch and Coffee and SAB World of Beer, where visitors can enjoy a tour to appreciate the fine art of brewing.
"Moving into Dance will present an Afro-fusion choreographed performance, while music will be provided by a variety of performers, including pantsula and Shangaan dancers," the statement said. Kippies, Horror Café and Nikki's Oasis have also confirmed their regular treat of entertainment.
"We want to make visitors to Newtown feel welcome," said the statement. "The developments and building upgrades have made a huge difference and the fact that safety and security were one of the first challenges resolved makes Newtown a real treat for the whole family."
All the activities will take place on the grass across from Mary Fitzgerald Square. The area will be well signposted and tour guides will assist members of the public.
