DUT GRADUATE SET TO RUN FROM DURBAN TO LIMPOPO IN 16 DAYS

Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Video Technology graduate Samuel Ntsanwisi will run a 1010km 16 day solo marathon, from Durban to Limpopo’s Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium, in support of 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of women and children.

The 25 year-old social development worker from Bjatladi Haenertsburg in Limpopo holds a National Diploma and a BTech degree in Video Technology and is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Film and Television. He hopes to create awareness and raise funds to build a multi-purpose centre to house orphans. The first leg of his marathon will kick off from DUT’s Fred Crookes sports field on 11 November, with his journey ending on 26 November.

Nkowa-Nkowa community members have been encouraged to support the cause by running and cycling with Ntsanwisi along his route. An athlete with a vision for national healing and transformation, he previously ran for charity and successfully completed a solo ultra-marathon of 455km from Johannesburg to Nkowa-Nkowa in six days.

Ntsanwisi also uses his technical expertise and his musical talent to help develop young people. He said: “I have always had a passion for social development and I am happy that I now do what I love most. It’s very important that we take an active role to assist our youth. They are the future and we need to discourage them from participating in activities that would destroy them.”

“Statistics show that teenage pregnancies, alcohol abuse, suicide, unemployment, crime and HIV/AIDS are on the increase amongst the youth. I want to bring change to my society by tackling the challenges that young people face, including the lack of resources. Funds raised through this initiative will be used towards youth development.”

In 2009 Ntsanwisi founded the non-profit organisation, Vanthswa Va Xivono, which means Youth With A Vision, in his home town of Nkowa-Nkowa.
He said the organisation is aimed at actively mobilising and empowering disadvantaged youth to lead healthy, confident lives and to become leaders within their communities. Since the launch of the organisation, VVX has hosted career expos to raise awareness of academic and career possibilities and continues to work with higher education institutions to provide bursaries to disadvantaged youth. The organisation also assists youth talented in sport, music and arts, to gain wider exposure and professional training. VVX’s 40-member youth band has gained tremendous success, with their songs and videos featured on radio and television.

For more information, please contact:
Samuel Ntsanwisi
Mobile: 079 194 8023
samuelntsanwisi@hotmail.com