Over eight days, a Limpopo runner, Wisdom Mudau, pushed through immense physical discomfort to raise awareness and funds for those battling mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and gender-based violence.
Polokwane, South Africa (01 September 2025) – In a country where thousands are fighting silent and internal battles, Wisdom Mudau decided to take a bold step, several in fact, to not just stand in solidarity with them but to run for them, too.
Currently recovering from what we imagine to be blistered feet and fatigue, Wisdom completed a 327km run from OR Tambo International Airport to Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane this past weekend!
Driven by the determination to raise awareness and funds for victims affected by mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and gender-based violence, Wisdom endured every bit of physical discomfort to shine a light on their struggles and do his part in helping alleviate them.
When Wisdom first embarked on his journey, he wasn’t fully prepared for the challenges and obstacles ahead. However, his mission to keep pushing forward for a cause close to his heart kept him going.
He commenced his run from Johannesburg on 23 August, running over the course of eight days, cheered by the Polokwane Athletic Club, his colleagues and escorted by his wife, who drove alongside him.
Though he ran for various causes, the issue of GBV was one that particularly struck a chord with him, as it remains a prevalent issue in the districts of Vhembe and Sekhukhune in his home province of Limpopo.
“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,” Wisdom tells SABC.
While the run from Johannesburg to Polokwane was admittedly gruelling, Wisdom’s incredible resilience and the support of those who believed in him propelled him forward. Fuelled by a mission bigger than himself, he pushed through every ounce of pain and crossed the finish line yesterday.
His grit and self-motivation have not only earned him our hero stamp of approval but have truly showcased unparalleled compassion to those fighting every day to overcome their own struggles.
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