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30-year-old Wisdom Mudau
A Limpopo runner has completed a 327km long run from Johannesburg to Polokwane. Wisdom Mudau started his grueling journey from OR Tambo International Airport 8 days ago to raise awareness on gender-based violence.
Limpopo continues to grapple with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, with Vhembe and Sekhukhune districts recording the most cases.
When Mudau commenced his run from Johannesburg on August 23, he was under no illusion of the many challenges and obstacles ahead.
But with sheer determination, diligence and passion, Mudau was ready to take the mighty bull by the horns.
Sponsored by friends and fellow runners, the 30-year-old was escorted by his wife, who drove alongside him.
“It was not an easy road, but I was strong and thank the support I received, it played a very big role for me to be able to reach where I am at the moment. It was not an easy one; it was tough along the road, but I’m glad and thank God that I made it,” adds Mudau.
A visibly emotional Mudau says he is gravely concerned about soaring levels of gender-based violence and femicide in Limpopo.
He aims to continue building strong awareness and raise funds to stiffen the fight against the scourge.
“I decided to raise awareness on gender-based violence, the reason being that if you check around the country, every day we face challenges of GBV. When we wake up, we hear about a man killing a woman or a child. It’s happening everywhere. That’s why I decided to raise awareness towards GBV,” he explains.
Mudau’s wife Ndivhuwo Nesengani has described her husband’s adventure as physically and mentally taxing but beneficial.
“It was hard, at first I was scared, but I saw that he is dedicated … then it made me strong to escort him all the way through this journey,” explains Nesengani.
Mudau was joined by supporters and fellow runners a few kilometers before the finishing line.
They have hailed him for both his bravery and empathy.
One of his supporters, Reginald Ramporo says, “Women and children are to be looked after and not to be endangered by us. We are supposed to be protecting them. When Mudau said to me that he was undertaking a journey of 327km, I thought it was a joke. But I saw that he was serious when he abstained from the comrades marathon. He explained everything to me, then I said good luck, my friend!”
Runner Joyce Khotha says, “It was a wonderful message that Mudau portrayed. When we run in our events, we are saying we run against GBV and tell people that not in my name, so that we fight against it. People start as lovers but end up killing each other. When people separate, mostly it’s because of GBV.”
Mudau was also raising awareness on chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
