July 23, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
The streets of Joburg took on a festive air on Sunday, 22 July, as a record number of 40 000 people took to the streets in the annual Discovery 702 Walk the Talk event.
The fun day saw a host of celebraties and sports personalities pounding the streets with residents in the country's largest mass participation event. Among the familiar faces were boxing legend "Baby Jake" Matlala, soccer giant Lucas Radebe and rugby superstar Morne du Plessis. Matlala was excited about taking part "for the second time".
International sporting giants British gold medallist in decathlon, Daley Thomason, and legendary Australian cricketer Steve Waugh also took on the challenge, along with mountaineer Deshun Deysel.
Donning walking shoes, the Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe paced himself around the course.
While the event had several options – a marathon; a 21km walk; an 8km walk and then the 5km fun walk – most participants were there to have fun, and do their bit for charity. The Walk the Talk's official charity is the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
The annual Discovery 702 Walk the Talk
(Photo: Enoch Lehing, City of Johannesburg)
A percentage of all entry fees from this year's event will be donated to the foundation. Discovery will add an additional R100 000 to the donation.
"This is a healthy challenge and I'm here to have fun with the people," said singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Isidingo cast members, Tshepo Maseko and Lesego Motsepe, also took up the call.
Radio 702 personality John Robbie walked the 8km route "with my wife, my daughter and her friend, and, of course, 40 000 other people".
The weather favoured the walkers, with the sun giving a warmth to the winter day as participants descended on the starting point at Marks Park in Emmarentia.
Many of the teams dressed in flamboyant outfits, some wearing colourful wigs, others in their company T-shirts and caps. Members of the cast of Hair Spray arrived in their bright hippy outfits.
Many walkers brought their dogs along, festooned in ribbons. Almost 700 dogs were enrolled this year, making it the biggest dog-walking event Joburg has ever hosted.
Motivated to walk
"This is an unbelievable turnout," said Du Plessis, adding he hoped the race would be easier than playing golf. The former top rugby player was motivated to take part in his second Walk the Talk because it encourages good health. "And the event also uses sport to change the way society thinks."
Waugh was very excited to be in South Africa for such a worthy cause – the raising of funds for the official charity. "We went to visit one of the organisations yesterday and it was amazing to see kids given the opportunity to exercise and play sport."
Top businessman Tokyo Sexwale, who walked with his wife and two daughters, said: "I think this is a positive initiative, encouraging good health and bringing people together of all races – this is the kind of South Africa we want to see."
The organisers and the beneficiaries were impressed by the support. "It's incredible how this event has grown over the past year. It has moved from strength to strength," said Thomson.
Well prepared
At the end of their walks, participants gathered on the Marks Park sports fields to hold picnics and kick back to the sounds of PJ Powers and Denim.
A separate entertainment section was set up for the younger children.
City manager Mavela Dlamini said the City wanted "to create a spirit of festivity in Jozi". His sentiments were echoed by Radio 702 personality Jenny Crwys-Williams, who described the family day as "absolutely fabulous".
Participants were looked after throughout their walk, with water and cool drinks offered along the routes. "We've arranged 12 150l of Coca-Cola, 180 000 sachets of water and 8.5 tones of ice," said Vanessa Papas, public relations co-ordinator.
Logistics for the event were extensive, according to the organisers. These included:
- 36 parking marshals,
- 73 cleaning staff,
- 35 people directing people to the starting line,
- 300 Metro Police officials,
- 12 members of the equestrian unit,
- 20 members from Top Security, as well as
- 25 fire extinguishers,
- 723 refuse bins,
- 11 golf carts,
- 242 toilets and
- 3 330 chairs.
The walk was enjoyed by both the able and disabled participants
(Photo: Enoch Lehing, City of Johannesburg)
Johannesburg's executive mayor Amos Masondo was also on hand. "It's good to see so many people taking part in this kind of initiative. We should encourage others who couldn't participate this year to join next year."
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