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Waterfall City Athletics Club

OFFERing MORE

ThAn juST Running

EXCO members (from left to right) Back row: Kuye Mthethwa, Thabiso Mavuso, Velile Memela, John Legoale, Msimeki Msimeki,
Front row: Tendani Makwarela, Nonhlanhla Kraai, Samantha Ntuli and Kholofelo Masilela
T he phrase ‘Keep your distance’ new, 14-member-strong Executive kind - Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Committee for 2020/2021 with
would have meant something
different to runners if we were
not living through a pandemic Velile Memela as the Chairperson. “We, as members of Waterfall City
Athletics Club, are committed to fighting
– just ask a runner whose watch dies Speaking on the leadership’s vision gender-based violence. On 10 August
mid-run. However, in 2020, instead of for the professionally run club that 2020, members of our club, together
the phrase referring to a training log, it has seen exceptional growth this with the rest of the community, took to
means that runners have had to change past year, Memela said, “Our vision for the streets to run in honour of all victims
their approach to their favourite sport. the coming year is to create a more of gender-based violence,” said Memela.
Waterfall City Athletics Club has felt the diverse and inclusive club. We want
impact of these new challenges but to provide a safe environment that The run received tremendous support
has hit the ground running in finding allows our members to thrive and on social media under the hashtag
ways to promote a healthy lifestyle. reach their goals. We will continue to #InHerHonour and sponsors came
promote a culture of tolerance and on board to contribute to its success.
Initiatives such as the mentally respect based on integrity and human Generosity kept trending as the club
stimulating book club, which has hosted dignity. No one makes it alone, so we also managed to raise R11 000 for
accomplished authors such as Betting plan to collaborate with our sponsors, Botshabelo through donations from
on a Darkie’s Mteto Nyati, and the surrounding communities and members members and non-members alike.
E-run challenge that raised R21 200 for in co-creating value for all stakeholders.”
Botshabelo’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, kept Taking the fight against GBV a step
members engaged and optimistic at a After only a few days in office, the further, the club has established a policy
time when it was needed the most. newly elected team had to organise to raise awareness and a committee
a virtual version of the club’s annual to continue work on initiatives that
To maintain the club’s positive impact, Women’s Day run. The run also served as contribute towards discouraging acts of
members have put their trust in a a response to a pandemic of a different violence against women and children.

Waterfall Issue 11 2020 11