Siyabonga Mfana has worked with non-profit, the Cart Horse Protection Association, for the past six years. When Siya started running to work, the idea of using his strong legs for a better cause came about. Now, Siya is preparing to take on the Cape Town Marathon and the 2025 Comrades!
Cape Town, South Africa (18 October 2024) — Siyabonga Mfana is preparing to run his first marathon this Sunday as a build-up for his big mission: running the 2025 Comrades to support cart horses working on the Cape Flats!
Siya has worked with the non-profit organisation, the Cart Horse Protection Association (CHPA), for the past six years. Based in Cape Town, CHPA’s top focus is advocating for the welfare of working horses and donkeys, which they do in a myriad of practical ways, including education and training initiatives for owners, clinic services and veterinary care, monitoring the animals, as well as rescues and rehabilitation efforts.
For Siya, it only made sense to dedicate his first marathon to the animals he works with. Siya was already running from Delft to work in Epping to save on taxi fare (beyond himself, Siya is also paying for his sister’s education at culinary school), and so when CHPA team member Megan White asked him if he would consider running the Comrades with the animals they advocate for in mind, he took the opportunity on with open arms and steady legs!
But Siya first needs to test the waters of running a marathon, which he’ll tackle on Sunday as a participant in the Cape Town marathon.
Siya’s fundraiser is already going strong, having raised over 50% of its target already!
The funds will help support CHPA’s services for cart horse welfare while raising awareness for their important cause.
You can support Siya’s marathon fundraisers here.