First National Bank memorialize heritage day in style
Nie Cele
Asiphe Cokile
Over 1000 people including First National Bank (FNB) employees braved the chilly weather to commemorate Heritage day.
The honor was a brain child of FNB, done through a 10km fun-run in Joburg Inner-City under the banner FNB Wellness and FNB Life Heritage Run.
Organizers told this publication that, this event was another way of promoting an active lifestyle.
Lee Bromfield, CEO of FNB Life who also took part in the race, was pleased with the day’s proceedings.
“We are delighted to provide a platform for people to celebrate South Africa’s heritage in such a unique manner. FNB has been actively involved in the rejuvenation of the Inner-City and we believe that it is our collective responsibility to preserve and showcase the remarkable history of the City Centre.”
Sanelisiwe Mpembe, one of the participants and a bank employee, said, “This is a great idea. Iam doing it for fun and hope to see my heritage joburg sites.”
The men’s top honours went to Zongamele Dyubeni, current title holder of the Loskop 50km. He finished the 10km distance in a quick time of just over 30 minutes.
“Iam grateful to win this race, it was a worthy practice for me for the upcoming 50km city to city race.”
The first woman to cross the finish life was Gill Scheepers, an avid runner who was equally thrilled with her performance.
“It feels great to be a winner.”
Participants got to enjoy historic sights and sounds of the Joburg Inner-City while being entertained through music and dance at the finish line.
After the event Bromfield stated that the Bank is planning to grow the annual occasion to become a prominent feature in the Province’s annual heritage and sporting events.
“We were encouraged by the enthusiasm of the runners who showed up in numbers and our commitment is to grow the number of participants in the following year, and continue to showcase the rich history of Johannesburg.”
