Latest news with #Mandeladay
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
UCT student learns landscaping ropes from local legend
Keeping Fourways Mall and its surroundings green and orderly isn't just a job for Nico Mbumi; it's part of who he is. For years, he's worked behind the scenes, quietly shaping the landscape that thousands walk through without ever knowing his name. But that's never bothered him. Mbumi has never done it for praise. Now, he's doing something else, something that might matter even more. On Mandela Day, while many marked the 67 minutes with small acts of kindness, Mbumi spent his on Witkoppen Road with a shovel in hand, planting trees. He wasn't alone. Walking beside him was Brian Masemola, a young student from Jane Furse, in Limpopo, who's studying property development at the University of Cape Town. Read more: 200 trees signal new aesthetic chapter for Fourways Mall after trader clearance Masemola is currently doing his work-integrated learning at Fourways Mall. His studies are funded by the mall itself, but his day-to-day education comes directly from Mbumi. 'I'm that person who enjoys working with the young people, like my student Brian here,' Mbumi said. 'I need him to enjoy, and experience something different, something special in the working environment, while giving back to the community. 'I taught him that we need to look after our environment. When you see a weed, a tree, or whatever, take it as an opportunity to do something great. It's crucial to have green plants in our area.' Mbumi has taken Masemola under his wing, not with big speeches or formal lessons, but through quiet guidance and daily example. Masemola said he's learning more than he expected, not just about maintaining landscapes, but about showing up with care for the community, doing things right, and paying attention to detail. @caxtonjoburgnorth Nelson Mandela was also passionate about issues that concern the environment, that's why Nico Mbumi and his team, didn't mind putting shovel to hard ground on Witkoppen Road in Fourways to mark 67 Minutes of Mandela Day. #Mandeladay #67minutes ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North 'I've learned a lot since I flew back from Cape Town,' Masemola shared. 'I've been learning a lot in terms of facilities management, which is property management. I've also done a little bit of photography and marketing for the team here. I also looked at the development that's upcoming, called The View. 'I'm very grateful for this, because I want to develop my own mall soon. Learning from the biggest mall in South Africa is going to give me the greatest experience ever.' Masemola said he chose a property development course because he is passionate about real estate. 'I was at the University of Pretoria, doing accounting science, but I didn't finish, because I realised my passion is actually more into real estate property building.' A few weeks ago, Mbumi also helped lead the clean-up and greening of the intersection along Winnie Mandela Drive, a project that followed the removal of informal structures. Masemola was also at the front, watching and learning. 'The work doesn't stop at 67 minutes for Mandela. We've got more trees to plant to make Fourways look great.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Runners sweat out their hearts at the Mandela Day Walk & Run 2025
In celebration of Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy, runners of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium on July 19 for the Mandela Day Walk & Run 2025. The event featured 5km, 10km, and 21.1km distances, attracting elite athletes, fun-runners, and families united by a shared spirit of patriotism and remembrance. Read more: Braving the chill at Bryanston Parkrun Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton Mackenzie led the 21.1km half-marathon and brought both humour and heartfelt pride to his post-race address. 'Parliament set a new rule this morning that you can't pass a minister during the race, so please be law-abiding citizens,' he joked to roaring laughter. 'South Africa is a great country. We are all children of Nelson Mandela. There's Mandela in all of us. We are the greatest country in the world, best in rugby, cricket, and soccer. Just look at Bafana Bafana… 19 games unbeaten.' Rebaone Obotseng (22), of the Distance Run Club, clinched back-to-back victories in the 10km race, despite feeling under the weather and not being fully prepared. 'I'm happy that I got the win today. It's my second time winning this race. I had to come back and defend my title. I wasn't feeling well because I ran last week, and I didn't prepare specifically for this one, but I gave it everything I had left.' Obotseng added that this year's route was tougher than expected. 'It's quite hilly. I thought I had memorised the route, but following the lead car as it twisted and turned, I kept asking myself: 'When am I finishing?'. I was on pace for a better time at 8km, but the last two hills got to my head. Still, I maintained the pace because I had already gapped the field.' He finished in just over 32 minutes, a time he was disappointed with. 'To run a good race at altitude, you have to be under 30. That's the benchmark.' In the 21.1km event, 27-year-old Honest Mathe, from Waterfall City Athletic Club, made a triumphant return to racing after a three-month break. 'This was my first race in months, and I've always wanted to run it. It was challenging, but the atmosphere, the crowd, the water points… It was fantastic. Honestly, it's one of the best races I've ever done in my life.' Mathe used the race as preparation for the upcoming Sanlam Marathon, with the hilly course giving him a clear picture of where he needs to improve. 'I've been doing long runs, but not enough speed work. Today challenged me, but I told myself: 'Push through and just maintain pace'.' @caxtonjoburgnorth Thousands of runners from all ages filled the streets around DP World Wanderers Stadium on July 19, 2025, for the annual Mandela Day Walk & Run. #DPWorldWonderers #Mandeladay ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North He praised the community support that carried him through the toughest sections. 'I came here just for fun, but the crowd, and the people who know me, kept cheering me on. That energy made me push harder.' Mathe added that the Mandela Day Walk & Run is more than just a competitive race; it's a moment for reflection, celebration, and unity. 'It's not about being the fastest; it's about showing up, being part of something bigger. Everyone should come, slow or fast; it's about Mandela, about doing something for a cause.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
