With ambassadors including Olympic champion Caster Semenya and Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni, the race continues to grow as a platform for advocacy and inspiration.
Pretoria, South Africa (17 March 2026) – Sport continues to prove a powerful platform for social change, and the Motsepe Foundation Race to Gender Equality aims to use that power to drive conversations around women’s empowerment in South Africa.
The race, which took place this Sunday at the Hillcrest Sports Campus, forms part of the Motsepe Foundation’s broader efforts to advocate for women’s rights and opportunities.
The head of sports at the foundation, Peter Ledwaba, says the event is closely linked to the foundation’s Gender Equality and Wellness and Leadership (GEWAL) programme, which commemorates International Women’s Day during the month of March.
“The Motsepe Foundation has a unit called Gender Equality and Wellness and Leadership, which celebrates International Women’s Day every year during March. As part of those celebrations, the foundation introduced the Race to Gender Equality five years ago.”
Since its introduction, the race has grown into an event that not only encourages participation through running and walking, but also raises awareness about key issues affecting women and girls.
Through the foundation, they hope the race forms part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at empowering women in meaningful ways.
“The Motsepe Foundation does not only do the race. The foundation also offers bursaries, specifically for girls, encouraging them to pursue STEM subjects. Part of the messaging during the race is also about encouraging women to stand up and take opportunities for themselves.”
Role models also play an important role in amplifying the message behind the initiative. Among this year’s ambassadors are Olympic champion Caster Semenya and current Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni.
Ledwaba believes their presence strengthens the advocacy work around gender equality and provides powerful inspiration for young women. As South Africa reflects on progress made toward gender equality, Ledwaba believes empowerment must also come from within communities themselves.
Related Stories
SPAR Women’s Challenge Funds Turned Into GBV Prevention Programme
Street Lines 2026 Showcases the Best of South African Skateboarding“We need systems where people rise because of their willingness and determination to be there.”
Participants who attended Sunday’s race got more than just a physical challenge. Along the race route, organisers shared messages aimed at inspiring reflection and encouraging participants to carry the lessons of empowerment into their everyday lives.
“We encourage participants to take those messages back home. It’s about empowering themselves and the communities around them.”
Sources: GTG Interview
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 
