Comrades Marathon 2011 – Clean-Up Campaign Campaign

In the run-up to the 2011 Comrades Marathon which has netted an astounding 19,617 entrants, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has embarked on another community-enhancing initiative. In light of the challenges facing the city, in respect of the unpicked litter and dirty streets, the CMA is doing its bit to promote civic pride by taking an active role in furthering the Msunduzi Municipality’s Extended Public Works Programme and its target of a cleaner environment.

This is in line with the CMA’s annual build-up to the enduring race, where a different theme takes centre stage every year, with active community participation at the heart of it.

NGO’s like the Youth of Choice and New Era Youth Organisation, as well as the local St Nicholas School and the Msunduzi Municipality will join the CMA in the clean-up drive. This exciting people-centred campaign begins at the Harry Gwala Stadium at 09h00. From there, these do-gooders will take up the baton along the Comrades route, starting at Alexandra Road, and moving onto Jesmond and Washington Roads, all the way to Polly Shortts, the iconic Comrades Marathon landmark.

Says CMA Marketing Coordinator, Thami Vilakazi: ‘We at the CMA believe that charity begins at home and with Pietermaritzburg being the home of the Comrades, we are enthusiastic and energized to promote a cleaner environment and work with our communities. We acknowledge that we have a right to a neat and tidy environment but it is also our responsibility to clean up our neighbourhood.’

Thami adds: ‘Our collaboration with local organizations and schools is nothing new. We had a similar successful community interaction in the build-up to last years Comrades run, where we had a 3km ‘Fun-Walk’ with hundreds of local residents, which included the participation of The Honourable Mayor of Msunduzi Municipality, Cllr Mike Tarr.’

Brian Zuma, Marketing Manager of Msunduzi Municipality says: ‘As a city, we have embarked on an extensive drive through the Extended Public Works Programme. Our partnership with the Comrades has resulted in a greater need for us to contribute to a neater, tidier city. It is for this reason that we have undertaken to clean up the route and thank the CMA for taking this noteworthy step. We hope the residents of the city will follow the CMA’s good example.’

Brian adds: ‘We hold the Comrades very dear to our hearts. This nation-building event continues to put the City of Pietermaritzburg high up on the sporting calendar.’

The CMA hereby urges one and all to be part of this community uplifting endeavour and maintain a beautiful city which we can all be proud of.