MEDIA RELEASE 1 November 2006 SOWETO MARATHON RETURNS HOME TO NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS The annual Nedbank Marathon has become an outstanding feature on the national sporting calendar. On Sunday 5th November 2006, the "People's Race" – the Nedbank Soweto Marathon will further strengthen its reputation as the country premier's standard marathon as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, it was announced at Elkah Stadium near Rockville Soweto today. "The City of Johannesburg is, indeed, proud to be associated with this great sporting event. Not only are we showcasing the talent of our country's top long distance runners but are also showing South Africa – and the rest of the world – a picture and an image of Soweto that is vastly different from the stereotypes and the myths that have been projected in the past", said the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Clr Amos Masondo during a media briefing. He added: "the record number of 10 000 expected participants will see the changes for themselves along the 42km standard marathon route. They will see that this year, for the first time in 15 years, the race takes place in its entirety within the confines of Soweto". Mr Leonard Chuene, President of Athletics South Africa said: "ASA is proud to have the Nedbank Soweto Marathon going back home to its roots. It is therefore significant that together with Nedbank and the City of Johannesburg we cement our relations with the people of Soweto to create a world class event, which will continue to place the township on the world map. This occasion is therefore important to nurture this relationship and we hope that it will grow from strength to strength". Ms Pinky Moholi, Nedbank Director : Group Strategy and Corporate Affairs Cluster added that: "The Soweto Marathon is more than a running race. It is an icon in South African sport. It brings together the people of Africa, and indeed the world, in an event that symbolises the reconciliatory power of sport in our great country. To this end, Nedbank has taken its already real commitment a few fast steps forward by sponsoring the 2006 Nedbank Soweto Marathon, presented by our partners, Athletics South Africa. In fact, the Nedbank Soweto Marathon is just one of the hundreds of social and community projects in which Nedbank is proud to participate, helping to support those communities and peoples of Soweto and Gauteng 'Make things happen'." The Executive Mayor further said Soweto is, without a doubt, one of the best-known places in South Africa and events such as this marathon confirms and re-affirms its reputation. For many decades, Soweto has been synonymous with the struggle for political freedom and equal rights in the country – but in recent years, it is developing into a vibrant hub of majestic economic and social developments. He said the City notes with interest that participants in this year's Nedbank Soweto Marathon will be able to run on properly tarred roads which resulted from Joburg City's intervention of tarring 314 kilometres roads at the cost of R485 million. "In the City of Johannesburg we have had to answer the following questions: How should we utilize the pressure that come with the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup to deepen on the work we are doing through the various government programmes? How do we ensure that we work in such a way that long after the 2010 soccer spectacle has come and gone we are able to point at various quality legacy projects that will continue to benefit our residents and citizens? What should these legacy projects be and how should we identify them"? Masondo asked. "We know that the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is not only about what government should do but it is a matter that requires the involvement organisations of civil society and all our communities. Our support for this event is a pointer to our commitment to involve literally everyone in this important work. We in the City of Johannesburg see ourselves as an important part of this process. As an active participant we are part of: the promotion of tourism, efforts aimed at attracting foreign direct investments, contributing to creating an even greater positive national mood and confidence in our country and people, and ensuring that South Africa is entrusted with the hosting of more international events in future" said Masondo. Masondo congratulated Nedbank, Athletic South Africa and the athletes for helping the City in bringing the Marathon back to Soweto. "You have succeeded to send a message that Soweto is not a mere place from where people come but a centre of development that matters. A place where investors can put their money and expect meaningful returns", he said. Ends. Issued by: Nthatise Modingoane Communication Officer Public Liaison Department City of Johannesburg Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: (011) 403 3494 Cell: 0824679228 e-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za