Nontuthuko Mgabhi has already raised over R3 million in her lifetime for children and schools who most need it. Now, she’s setting to task again for a massive challenge of 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes!
Richards Bay, South Africa (23 February 2024) — Nontuthuko ‘Nontu’ Mgabhi is a champion of two incredible endeavours—ultramarathons and making sure rural children have the essentials!
Putting her own feet to task for others ample times (She is the first female from Africa to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days) Nontu has successfully raised over R3 million to provide so many learners facing poverty with the essentials they need to feel dignified and encouraged at school.
Her passion has paved the path for building classrooms, renovating schools, and providing books and food, as well as the always essential and trajectory-shifting—school shoes.
Last year, Nontu hit the ground running at the Ultra ASIA 160km Race in Vietnam where she came second in the women’s division and fourth overall. But, regardless of all her achievements, her biggest win by far is being able to make a difference in the life of a school child who needs it most.
Nontu is back at it again in 2024 and will be focusing on a whopping 520km ultramarathon, The Track Namibia, scheduled for 15-24 May. 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes, her endeavour will take her on a 10-day journey through the Valley of the Moon, the tropic of Capricorn and the Sesriem and Sossusvlei Dunes.
For the experienced long-distance runner, this will be a new kind of challenge given the extreme distance. But, it’s one well worth it, given the underprivileged children in KwaZulu-Natal who will get to walk in school shoes that say, ‘Someone went all the extra miles for me’.
“I believe in giving back, I am grateful that I am able to give back through my passion: a love of running, travel and nature. It is wonderful to live a life that is authentic with impact. To prepare for these races, although challenging, is not a chore for me—it is a privilege to get to do this. I have the health and means to do it.”—Nontuthuko Mgabhi.
Those looking to support Nontu on yet another impactful adventure can get in touch with her on nontu.mgabhi@icloud.com!
Sources: Team South Africa; GTG
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 & 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 & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.