…Birthday pledge turns Highway Marathon launch into a call for giving…
…bigfish backs children, donates E10 000…
… 30 pairs donated, children receive school shoes…
…E100 000 pledged,donors support the marathon…
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MANKAYANE— Sipho “BigFish” Makhabane celebrated his birthday by giving children a reason to smile, pledging E10 000 towards the Highway Half Marathon and donating 30 pairs of school shoes to selected children.
Speaking at the Highway Half Marathon 2026 official launch at Highway Covenant Tabernacle Church on Thursday, 3 September, the celebrated artist and fitness enthusiast said his commitment to children would continue beyond the event.
“Anything that concerns kids, I’m around the corner,” Makhabane said, promising to support the marathon in any way he could.
His remarks came as the Highway Education Foundation launched the fourth edition of the marathon under the theme “The Winning Year”, with the event scheduled to take place in Mankayane.
Makhabane said he had chosen to spend his birthday with the community because he believed people should leave a positive mark wherever they go.
“It’s very important that once you get a seat, do something whilst on that seat, make an impact, so that once you have left that seat and look back, you can be proud of yourself,” he said.
Reflecting on his background, Makhabane said he only reached Standard 3 at school and walked long distances to attend classes, often leaving home and returning while it was still dark.
However, he said he never allowed his circumstances to become an excuse.
He recalled receiving his first international invitation in Zimbabwe, where he struggled to understand English but continued smiling and engaging with people.
“Look at me today,” he said, encouraging young people to keep learning despite their circumstances.
Makhabane also urged others to donate towards the marathon, saying education and children remained close to his heart.
His pledge formed part of the contributions announced at the launch, with support coming from Montigny Investments, MP Bhekibandla Vilakati, Mankayane Town Board, Mankayane Police Station, Sakhile, Make Nonhlanhla, The Grace Driving School and Nkambule.
Adding to his birthday gesture, Makhabane donated 30 pairs of school shoes to selected children from vulnerable families, helping them return to school with greater confidence and comfort.
#BigFish #HighwayMarathon #GivingBack #EducationMatters #BackToSchool #CommunitySupport #Eswatini
