REPORTER

AS a tribute to all gender-based violence victims in South Africa, Kokstad runners took to the streets in black running attire on Tuesday, September 15, from various running clubs including the XJ Athletics Club.

The objective was to honour slain Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo and also to demand safety in public spaces for runners and women in general. XJ AC spokesperson Bonginkosi Mbotshwa said that the club joined forces with other South African running clubs to say enough is enough regarding the scourge of horrendous gender-based violence and femicide. 

“XJ AC runners from Kokstad, EmaXesibeni and KwaBhaca dressed in black and participated in the memorial run,” he added. One of the XJ AC runners who participated was Sibongiseni Deyi who said that participating in the run was a way to condemn violence against women. 

“We live in a country where women and children are no longer safe. I have lost count of the number of women and children who have been reported to be missing in Kokstad alone. We want children to play in the streets freely, we want our female runners to run in the streets without fear,” said Deyi.

He appealed to runners to implement a buddy-buddy system whereby they run in groups for safety purposes.