Nie Cele
Christmas came very early for Run Alex Athletics Club, thanks to the Pan-African bank Absa.
This Alexandra based club north of Johannesburg received an earth-shattering amount of R125 000 cash injection at a low profile ceremony held at Altrec Sports Centre in Alexandra.
A terse statement issued by the giant bank stated this was another initiative to acknowledge the financial institution’s role in communities by creating a meaningful impact, developing the communities they operate in by showing support and being a force for good.
Through the 2022 Absa Run Your City series of events, the bank has been encouraging participants to download the Strava App, and for every 1km run/walked, Absa donated R1 to make a difference in each of the communities the bank hosted the events this year.
Ronny Mbatsane, Managing Executive SME Business Absa Group told this publication on the sidelines the bank was happy to hand over a cheque to a very disserving club that has financial constrains.
“Athletics is one of the sporting codes that run across the group. Our intent is to boost all the clubs that needs help to run and operate functionally.”
Mbatsane also revealed this was the first donation in Gauteng and have previously donated in Durban and Cape Town respectively and also hinted the possibility of going to other provinces and the entire African countries where the bank operates after carefully exploring.
“If we had more resources we would like to assist more club centres. The whole purpose is to connect with communities where we operate,” Mbatsane pointed.
Ronny Ndhlovu, Head Coach for this Alex based club told this reporter they were very grateful for the financial helping hand .
“This cash injection came in handy and will help a lot in developing these kids. Some of them come to train with empty stomach, no running shoes while others can’t afford the Athletics registration fee.
Nokuthula Thomas, Secretary General for the club was on cloud nine and couldn’t contain her joy. She echoed the same sentiment.
“Its poetic justice, This donation will be well spent . We have a lot of needs in the club. These kids come from humble back rounds, they come with an empty stomach, they need transport money, they need proper development and our coaches also need to be developed and properly trained,” Thomas pointed.
