There is only one Soweto. Its story is inextricably linked to the history of this country, and its future. It is the birthplace of business visionaries, world leaders, creative geniuses, and legends. And on Sunday 6 November thousands of runners took to the streets of Soweto to participate in the 27th edition of the ever-popular Soweto Marathon which has affectionately become known as ‘The People’s Race’.
African Bank, with its rich heritage and early start by banking pioneer Dr Sam Motsuenyane, who, during the oppressive apartheid regime, strived to create a bank that would serve the needs of every South African, were very proud to be in Soweto on Sunday as one of the supporters of the race sponsoring a watering hole on the most famous street in Soweto – Vilikazi Street.
In a small way this was a great opportunity for the Bank to be able to support the participants, a bank for the people supporting the people’s race. This is after all where the dream of African Bank was born. It was at the inaugural NAFCOC meeting held in Soweto in 1964, where Dr Sam Motsuenyane and Dr Richard Maponya, together with their peers, started the journey of African Bank. We ran in the footsteps of giants, just like the runners who ran past the houses of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu on Sunday.
African bank could not pass up the opportunity to not only honour its early pioneers, but also an event held in Soweto.
In addition to supporting the race, a number of runners in the African Bank team also competed in the 42km marathon.
Feature Image: Participants in the Soweto Marathon, taking much needed refreshments at African Bank watering hole
