Nelson Mandela Foundation Unveils Legacy Sports Series

Introduced at a media event at Sanctuary Mandela, the series emerges at a time of deep contemplation.

This year marks 27 years since Nelson Mandela founded the Foundation and 27 years since he transferred power as South Africa’s first democratically elected President, reflecting the 27 years he was incarcerated in the fight for freedom.

The launch coincides with Nelson Mandela International Day and this year’s theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”

The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series emphasizes this message through sport, participation, and collective action, urging individuals and communities to engage actively in fostering positive social change.

Inspired by Madiba’s conviction in the unifying power of sport to effect social transformations, the series promotes participation as a means for mobilization and collective impact, inviting people from across South Africa and the region to engage in initiatives that transcend competition to bring about meaningful change in their communities.

Four Events. One Legacy.

Over the years, the Foundation and its partners have rallied thousands of walkers, runners, cyclists, and supporters through sporting initiatives founded on solidarity, commemoration, and social impact.

The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series amalgamates these established events into a single platform while broadening the movement with new chances for involvement and impact, including the introduction of the Nelson Mandela Marathon in Cape Town.

The series features:

• Mandela Day Walk & Run — Johannesburg (19 July 2026)
• Legacy Ride4Hope — Maputo, Mozambique to Howick, KwaZulu-Natal (2-5 September 2026)
• Nelson Mandela Marathon — Cape Town (18 October 2026)
• Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run — Tshwane (5 December 2026)

Together, these events create a collective journey of participation, reflection, and action, linking communities across cities, regions, and generations through sport and social impact.

In his remarks at the launch, Dr. Mbongiseni Buthelezi characterized the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series as a platform that consolidates existing sporting initiatives while providing new opportunities for participation and collective action.

“The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series integrates established moments of participation and impact into one platform, while facilitating new avenues to engage people in active citizenship, solidarity, and social justice,” stated Dr. Buthelezi.

More than just a series of sporting events, this initiative serves as a rallying cry — inspiring individuals to walk, run, and cycle in support of causes that uphold dignity, equality, and opportunity.

Funds generated through the series will contribute to programs aligned with the Foundation’s mission to promote social justice, dialogue, and community upliftment.

Significantly, the Foundation perceives the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series as a dynamic platform that will continue to embrace new initiatives, partnerships, and forms of participation in the future.

The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels, emphasizing the belief that everyone contributes to shaping a brighter future.

Registrations will open soon. The public, corporate partners, and community organizations are encouraged to join, support, and amplify this movement.

Watch the launch here: https://bit.ly/3R2Ok2U

For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/3Rm0PGJ