BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MANKAYANE— The Highway Half Marathon has received a financial vote of confidence, with Ngwempisi Inkhundla Member of Parliament Bhekibandla Vilakati pledging E10 000 every year to keep the race moving.
Vilakati made the commitment during the official launch of the Highway Half Marathon 2026 at Highway Covenant Tabernacle Church in Mankayane on Thursday, promising to support the event annually for as long as he remains in office.
The pledge comes as organisers prepare for the fourth edition of the marathon, which is being held under the theme “The Winning Year” and seeks to use sport to promote healthy living, youth development, education and community unity.
Vilakati said his commitment was not only about contributing financially, but about ensuring the marathon continues to grow and remains sustainable.
He pledged E10 000 annually, saying the contribution would continue for the duration of his tenure as an MP.
The lawmaker’s commitment is expected to strengthen the marathon’s ability to grow its programmes and reach more young people through sport.
The Highway Half Marathon has increasingly positioned itself as more than a race, with the initiative seeking to create opportunities for young people while promoting fitness and bringing communities together.
Vilakati’s pledge therefore adds another layer of support to an event that relies on partnerships between community leaders, businesses, organisations and individuals to achieve its objectives.
His commitment also signals confidence in the potential of the marathon to become a lasting sporting and community-development platform in Mankayane.
As athletes prepare to take to the road, Vilakati’s E10 000 pledge puts the focus not only on the race ahead, but on building a marathon that can keep running for years to come.
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