SITHOBELA – Call it luck or mystery?
A man used his grandmother’s plastic shoes (clogs) which appeared uncomfortable like slippers but somehow, he managed to outrun the others and obtained the first position.
Nkosinathi Mavimbela, who is from Mamisa Umphakatsi under Sithobela, outran about 500 people to get the first position. He was followed by Bongani Makhanya who obtained the second position among the men. Mavimbela literally wept when speaking about his victory.
He said he was poor that he could not afford a pair of shoes, but used his granny’s, which he said she also was given by someone. He said he had always wanted to join the army, but never had the opportunity. Mavimbela said this had been his second time to try his luck.
Asked about whether he is employed, Mavimbela said he has not been able to acquire work because he does not have any qualification. He said he only went up to Standard V, which is Grade VII.
Despite running like a trained athlete, Mavimbela said his only training is that he lives in a hilly area, but does not regularly run.
Makhanya, who got the second person, also revealed that he too is unemployed. He said this is because he only went up to Form V and did not do well. He said his dream has been to join the army such that he tried many times. Makhanya said he even tried to join the Imbube Marathon and obtained fourth position in the 42 kilometre run in 2018.
Further, Makhanya said he also even joined the King’s regiment and was given the name Khwelindvundvuma. However, it was only through the latest encounter with the army that he has gotten close to being a member.
However, it is not over yet, those who succeeded in the race yesterday still have to undergo vetting, they also have to do medical checkups to ensure that they are fit for the job.
The winning shoes which Nkhosinathi Mavimbela was wearing. Nkhosinathi Mavimbela running towards the finish line with the ‘gogo’ shoes. (Pics: Joseph Zulu)