The Race for Mandela this Saturday in Havana

On 15 July 2017, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in conjunction with the Institute of Sports and Recreation (INDER) will cohost the 4th edition of the Run for Mandela to be held in Havana, Cuba.

In a press conference held Tuesday at the International Press Conference in Havana, Mrs. Lulamah Rulumeni, chargé d’ affaires of the South African embassy in Cuba, highlighted the significance of this major sports events for both countries, given the hefty friendly ties between the two of them and the rock-solid brotherhood that bound Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro, the two nation’s historic leaders.

Runners from Cuba, South Africa, the U.S., Mexico and Italy have already signed up for the race that will serve as a classifier for Marabana 2017, the island nation’s top marathon competition slated for later this year.

The Run for Mandela is a standing activity in the annual calendar of both, South Africa and INDER and is used to celebrate the life and legacy of Iconic leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, also known as Madiba. It is very much linked to the International Nelson Mandela Day which is celebrated annually on the 18th July.

In addition to the main 10km Race for Mandelain Havana, several four-kilometer races will be held in the main municipalities across all provinces in Cuba.

In November 2009, the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York declared 18th July as Nelson Mandela International day. The Political fraternity, members of the Diplomatic Corps, individual companies, and members of the public, irrespective of gender, age and disability are invited to participate in the race.

Nelson Mandela was at the center of the international Sport, Arts and Culture and children's activities over the years.

South Africa and the International community are continuing to take the challenge and to demonstrate how they can continue to carry on the legacy of Mandela by playing a meaningful role in societies.

In his words, Nelson Mandela said, "Sport has the power to change the world, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can create hope where there was once despair. It is an instrument for peace, even more powerful than governments. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination.

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) LTD, a leading manufacturer of passenger and commercial tires in South Africa and the manufacturer of the iconic Dunlop and Sumitomo brand, will be prominent in the streets of the Cuban capital of Havana on Saturday 15 July 2017 during the fourth annual 10km Race for Mandela.

The event received an overwhelming support from one of the biggest car tire manufacturing companies in South Africa, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd., the manufacturers of Sumitomo Tyres, Dunlop and Falken brands of tires.

Mr. Riaz Haffejee, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber SA (Pty) Ltdsaid: “We are thrilled that the Sumitomo brand will be officially associated with the Race for Mandela in Havana, Cuba. For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity - as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience and an international peacemaker.”

Lubin Ozoux, Sumitomo Rubber SA (Pty) LtdDirector - International Business will be in Cuba to witness the race.

“The Sumitomo brand already has a presence in Cuba and it is in keeping with our market expansion strategy to further entrench ourselves in this part of the world. It also gives us an opportunity to promote an issue that is very close to us, road Safety.”

Every year on 18 July - the day Nelson Mandela was born - the UN asks individuals around the world to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better, and Mandela Day is an occasion for everyone to take action and inspire change.