More than 50 000 people walked to highlight worthy causes at this year’s 702 Walk The Talk which took place at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia.
The annual race is in its 15th year and this year’s theme was, What are you walking for. Entrants could participate in a 5km, 8km or a 15km walk in an effort to either raise funds for a charity, to raise awareness on issues affecting them or to take a stand for their beliefs.
Thabisili Mbete, 702 station manager said the walk provided a platform for all to freely express themselves. “702’s key objective is to open minds and, through this event, the station is able to promote thought provoking conversations.
“702 is committed to activating more constructive citizens who, by knowing more are empowered to be more.”
The station’s presenters chose a cause to walk for and John Robbie decided on the Organ Donor Foundation which is a non-profit organisation that creates awareness about organ donation and encourages others to become donors. “There are thousands of children who die because there are no organs available to them when they need them,” he said.
The former rugby player stressed the importance of organ donation saying one donated organ saves a life. “Many organs get buried at funerals, and many are cremated. One person can save up to 10 lives with their donated organs.”
Former political prisoner and anti-apartheid activist, Ahmed Kathrada, also graced participants and guests with his presence and took part in the
8km walk. A month away from his 87th birthday, Kathrada said he walked every year and enjoyed doing it. During the walk, he was assisted by Neeshan Balton who is the CEO of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
“We stopped halfway and came back [to the start line],” said Kathrada.
“It was a good walk.” He jokingly said he was at the event to walk for freedom. “It’s a continuation of my long walk.”
Some of the dignitaries who took part in the event included Gauteng Premier David Makhura, acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, Finance MEC in Gauteng, Barbara Creecy and Gauteng MEC for Health, Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu.
A group of elegant bunnies walk for cancer at the 702 Walk the Talk on 24 June at Marks Park Sports Club.
South African National Parks rangers out in their numbers to walk against rhino poaching at the 2016 Walk the Talk at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia.
Team Protea Hotel celebrate at the start line and dance to music before the 5km race at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
St John’s College pupils walk for the Sunshine Centre for Children with disabilities at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
The giant puppets keep all amused and take hundreds of photos with entrants of the 2016 702 Walk the Talk.
Mafikizolo entertain the crowd with their vocal abilities and dance moves at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk.
Mafikizolo entertain the crowd with their vocal abilities and dance moves at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
The Gauteng rehab centre group at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia pose for a photo on the 5km route.
Mr Soulman dressed to the nines, walks for life at the 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
Activists from the Women and Men Against Child Abuse walk for their cause and the rights of children at the 702 Walk the Talk at Marks Park Sports Club.
Mr Soulman dressed to the nines, walks for life at the 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
South Africans from all walks of life come together to walk for charities and to raise awareness on issues that affect them at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk.
Deon and Daniella Smith walk in honour of Liam Lehle who died of autoimmune hepatitis this year and donated all his organs.
The Rescue Love team with some friends at the 702 Walk the Talk 5km route show their love and dedication for animals.
The 702 Walk the Talk attempts to break the Internet when entrants post start line selfies on social media platforms simultaneously.
Abdul and Zainub Chand take part in the 2016 702 Walk the Talk walking against oppression in Palestine and the freedom they want to see for its people.
Team SterKinekor takes some time out from the movies to walk for a good cause at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
Deon and Daniella Smith walk in honour of Liam Lehle who died of autoimmune hepatitis in 2016 and donated all his organs.
Ricardo Josephs and Basil Feldman celebrate the completion of the 5km walk at the 2016 Walk the Talk for their friendship and life.
South African National Parks rangers came out in their numbers to walk against rhino poaching at the 2016 Walk the Talk at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia.
Ahmed Kathrada with Neeshan Balton CEO of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation take part in the 8km walk at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
South Africans from all walks of life come together to walk for charities and to raise awareness on issues that affect them at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk.
The Northcliff Lions Club at the startline of the 702 Walk the Talk 5km route in Emmarentia.
Team SterKinekor takes some time out from the movies to walk for a good cause at the 2016 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
Ahmed Kathrada with Neeshan Balton CEO of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation take part in the 8km walk at the 702 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
The Northcliff Lions Club at the startline of the 702 Walk the Talk 5km route in Emmarentia.
A group from You & Me vs Mind walk for the awareness of motor neuron syndrome at the 2016 Walk the Talk in Emmarentia.
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