MEC Dhlomo to run a half marathon

MEC Dhlomo to run a half marathon (42,2km) in Pietermaritzburg this Sunday

23 Feb 2011

Journalists, reporters and photographers are invited as the MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, runs the Weekend Witness Maritzburg Marathon (42,2 km) as part of his preparation for the 2011 Comrades Marathon on 27 February 2011 (Sunday).

"I am running this race for two main reasons. The first one is to promote physical activity as part of our programme to promote healthy lifestyles. Secondly, as a person who comes from Umbumbulu and schooled at Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical School, I wish to contribute towards the upliftment of that schools which in 2010 achieved a 91% matric pass rate and one student from the school obtained 100% in Mathematics. By running in this race I hope to raise business interest in the school which I believe deserves our support,” Dr Dhlomo says.

Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical School is one of the Dinaledi Schools for science and mathematics. Dinaledi Schools were identified by the Department of Education in 2001 for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in pursuit of improving the quality of teaching and learning in Mathematics and Science. The school was started by the late Ms Sibusisiwe Violet Makhanya in 1939, the first black female trained as a Social Worker at a time when the Natal State and ‘tribal authorities’ were controlling the movement of women.

MEC Dhlomo has been in the forefront of promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles and since the beginning of the year he has run three 21 km races. His day begins with a time in the gym as well as speaking openly to the youth, in particular, about healthy eating, against alcohol and drug abuse and engaging in risky behaviour.

The MEC will be available to speak to journalists about his involvement in the races after the race which will take place as follows;

Date: 27 February 2011
Time: Race starts at 05h00 (Sharp)
Venue: Bulwer Street, Pietermaritzburg

For more information and to RSVP, please contact:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869

Transport is available for journalist leaving Durban Playhouse at 06h00.

Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Health
23 Feb 2011