Glencore supports Africa’s first woman to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days

When Glencore launched its Progress Together campaign, it was with the aim to ensure that Glencore goes out of its way to effect positive change in the lives of South Africans who just need a push to follow their dreams. It is on this backdrop that Glencore supported Nontuthuko Mgabhi in her journey of becoming the first African woman to compete and complete the World Marathon Challenge. Nontuthuko ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days.

Through this achievement, she has managed to raise R1.8 million which has already been put to use at the Khiphinkunzi Primary School in Mtubatuba to assist in improving the school’s facilities.

Born in Mseleni near Sodwana Bay, Nontuthuko is the General Manager of Human Resources at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). After completing a 160km race in 2018, she was invited to speak to the children of Khiphinkunzi Primary School, two hours north of Richards Bay, about her love for running. It was then that she first saw just how much the rural school was in need of new facilities and a major renovation.

A year later, as she searched for a way to push her running further, she decided to enter the World Marathon Challenge to help the learners of Khiphinkunzi school.

“At Glencore we pride ourselves in community upliftment projects and we are happy to have been a part of this extraordinary journey with Nonthuthuko. These are the kind of initiatives that Glencore is proud to align with, initiatives that support individuals who uplift their communities.” Diane Van Der Walt, CSI Coordinator at Glencore.

The challenge began with a marathon in Cape Town, and was immediately followed by a transfer to Antarctica on a Russian military aircraft. From Antarctica, the crew returned to Cape Town and flew straight to the race in Perth, Australia. After that, they ran in Dubai, Madrid in Spain, Fortaleza in Brazil and finally in Miami in the United States.

“When I crossed the finish line in Miami, I couldn’t believe I was there. I felt so privileged, so fortunate,” Nonthuthuko said. “I also thought of the many people who helped me along the way – I couldn’t have done this without them. I would like to thank Glencore for partnering with RBCT to make my dream come true, it’s sponsors like Glencore that are going to be building this school.” She added.