…beyond medals and times
…sport inspires and creates opportunities
…promotes unity and healthy living
… children receive shoes
…ready to host the maratho
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MANKAYANE — For some, winning means crossing the finish line first. For Mankayane Town Board Chairperson Bongani Dlamini, however, the real victory will be measured in opportunities created, young lives inspired and a community brought together through sport.
Dlamini made the remarks during the official launch of the Highway Half Marathon 2026, held at Highway Covenant Tabernacle Church in Mankayane on Thursday, where he declared the town ready to host the sporting event.
Held under the theme “The Winning Year”, the fourth edition of the marathon is expected to use sport as a platform to promote healthy living, nurture sporting talent, unite communities and support the development of young people.
Dlamini said the theme should challenge people to look beyond medals and finishing times when defining what it means to win.
“For a young person, winning may mean deciding to get off the streets and onto the sporting field,” he said.
He added that winning could also mean a child remaining in school and believing in the power of education, while for parents it could mean watching their children discover and develop their talents.
For Mankayane, Dlamini said true victory would come from creating an environment where young people can see possibilities beyond the challenges surrounding them.
He described the Highway Education Foundation’s decision to use sport as a vehicle for education and youth development as a powerful approach, noting that sport has the ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, communities and generations.
“When people run together, they may come from different places, but they share the same road, the same finish line and, ultimately, the same human experience,” he said.
Dlamini also highlighted the importance of investing in people as part of town development, saying a successful town needs healthy citizens, empowered young people, active communities and institutions that create opportunities.
He commended the Foundation and its partners for including children in the initiative, particularly through the presentation of shoes.
While a pair of shoes may appear to be a simple gift, Dlamini said it could send a powerful message to a child: “We see you. We believe in you. You have a future.”
He urged athletes taking part in the marathon to run with determination, discipline, respect and purpose, while encouraging young people to identify, develop and pursue their talents.
Dlamini further called on the people of Mankayane to embrace the marathon and showcase the town’s hospitality, expressing hope that the event would eventually make Mankayane known as a place where champions are discovered and dreams are given an opportunity.
The Town Board pledged continued support, within its mandate and capacity, for initiatives promoting the health, education, wellbeing and development of the community.
Dlamini concluded by challenging stakeholders to make 2026 a winning year—not only because someone will win the race, but because children will gain opportunities, young people will gain confidence, partnerships will grow and Mankayane will gain greater visibility.
“Mankayane welcomes the Highway Half Marathon. Mankayane is ready to run,” he said.
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