On 22 October, 2014 Members of the South African Cabinet banded together outside the Tynhuys, Cape Town in what can be deemed as one of the greatest show of Unity, in honour of the late President Nelson Mandela.
The cabinet members gathered for a photo in the garden of the Tuynhuys Presidential House in Cape Town, all wearing their UNITE 2.0 campaign t-shirts to pledge and show support for this year’s Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day.
With its objectives aimed at Social Cohesion, Nation Building and UNITY, the UNITE 2.0 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day was initiated to bring South Africans together to demonstrate the depth of South Africans’ commitment to the late President Nelson Mandela’s vision of sports and culture as a nation builder and a unifying force for a cohesive society.
Spearheaded by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department of Arts and Culture, the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day also aims to mobilise the youth. UNITE 2.0 is a call to action for South Africa’s youth, as the generation charged with living the Mandela Legacy, to Unite in building a brighter future for all.
In partnership with Cycling SA and Athletics SA, UNITE 2.0 proudly announces two new sporting codes as the focus for the 2014 Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day. The day’s sporting events will feature a cycling race, a road running race, a run/walk race, and a fun walk, which will precede a cultural program, that will include a music concert featuring SA’s icons in the entertainment sector, to be announced by the Minister of Arts and Culture early November.
“The Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day is designed to bring together South Africans from all walks of life, particularly this year in its 2nd year and as we celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy. Almost 1 year ago, South Africans lined the streets of Tshwane, to say our final farewell. This year, on Nelson Mandela Sport & Culture day – we reclaim those very same streets to celebrate the life of this global icon.” says Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Sport and Recreation, South Africa.
In remembrance of the 67 years Mandela devoted to social activism the 67km cycling race will start and finish at the Union Buildings, with the route passing by many historical landmarks and monuments.
There will be cash prizes for the top finishers for all events, with the winners of the cycling road race receiving R150 000, whilst the charity of their choice receives R50 000.
The 27km Road Running challenge winner will also receive R100 000, whilst the charity of their choice receives R50 000. The distance of this race is in commemoration of the 27 years Mandela spent in prison.
The 9.4km Road Running/Walking Events are in remembrance of the 94 years of Madiba’s life. Winners from this category will win R25 000, while his/her charity will receive R15 000 and the 9.4km Walking event winner will receive R15 000, with R7 000 going to the charity of their choice.
Registration for all of these events is now open, and you can sign up online: www.unite4mandela.co.za
Registration Fees:
- 67km Cycle: R250
- 27km Run: R70
- 9.4km Run: R50
- 5km Fun Walk: R40
The UNITE 2.0 is a joint initiative by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Department of Arts and Culture to promote social cohesion and nation building. This program builds on the work, which the two departments had already begun to utilize the power of sport and arts as a formidable tool for nation building and social mobilisation. Its fundamental message is a call for South Africans to UNITE.