After accomplishing his 448km journey from South Africa’s capital city Pretoria, in Gauteng, to Thohoyandou in Limpopo as part of his campaign to raise awareness for gender-based violence and youth against drugs, the 26-year-old Ungedzani Pfano has one last wish.
Pfano wants to raise close to R8-million to build a sports centre in his rural village of Tshilidzini in the Vhembe District.
Raise awareness for GBV, drug abuse
Supported by the Magoma Foundation, Pfano, who left Pretoria on June 1, had planned to complete his road running trek to Thohoyandou after seven days. However, he only arrived at his destination at the Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou on June 13, six days beyond the scheduled day.
“My aim through the trek was to raise awareness for GBV and youth against drug abuse. But the big picture here is to raise the money to build a sports complex in my village,” he said.
“Running for 448km in an effort to raise awareness is one thing, but then what next? Because the fact that I completed my trek will be celebrated and forgotten. So it is for this reason that I am looking forward to using the popularity which I obtained to raise the funds for the centre.
“That way, my effort will not be in vain. Because it will leave a lasting legacy in my village for many years to come when I am gone,” said Pfano. The ambitious philanthropist is is ranked number 38 among South Africa’s 400 track athletes.
Pfano spoke to Sunday World about his mission.
On a mission to uplift
“The planned sports centre will help reduce the boredom among the youth. They always find themselves roaming the streets. Some spend most of their time hanging at the local spaza shops with nothing to do. Moreover, it will also keep them busy. Thus denying them time to be involved in GBV while staying away from drug abuse.”
Traditional leaders, including Vho-Thovhele, Gole Mphafuli, local politicians and residents, came in large numbers to welcome their hero.
Eyeing 2026 Olympics
“Honestly speaking, the welcoming which started across the villages … was great. My wish is to translate that resounding warm welcome into funds. To ensure that the sports centre building can be a reality,” concluded Pfano.
He said he is still looking forward to improving his 48.73 seconds record time to at least 48.70 or less. This in order to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games scheduled for February 6 – 22 in Italy.
