Johannesburg – The Nelson Mandela Foundation has launched the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sporting Series.
The series launched on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, is a unified platform that brings together major sporting initiatives aimed at driving social impact, promoting active citizenship, and honouring the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Unveiled at a media launch held at Sanctuary Mandela, the series arrives at a moment of profound reflection.
This year marks 27 years since Nelson Mandela established the Foundation and 27 years since he handed over power as South Africa’s first democratically elected President, mirroring the time he spent imprisoned in the struggle for freedom.
The launch comes ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day and this year’s theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series extends that call through sport, participation, and collective action, encouraging individuals and communities to play an active role in creating positive social change.
Inspired by Madiba’s belief in the power of sport to unite people and drive social change, the series positions participation as a vehicle for mobilisation and collective impact.
People from across South Africa and the region are invited to take part in initiatives that extend beyond competition to create meaningful change in communities.
Four Events. One Legacy.
Over the years, the Foundation and its partners have mobilised thousands of walkers, runners, cyclists, and supporters through sporting initiatives rooted in solidarity, remembrance, and social impact.
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series now brings these established moments together under one unified platform, while also expanding the movement through new opportunities for participation and impact.
This includes the introduction of the Nelson Mandela Marathon in Cape Town.
The series includes:
- Mandela Day Walk & Run — Johannesburg (19 July 2026)
- Legacy Ride4Hope — Maputo, Mozambique to Howick, KwaZulu-Natal (2-5 September 2026)
- Nelson Mandela Marathon — Cape Town (18 October 2026)
- Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run — Tshwane (5 December 2026
Together, these events form a shared journey of participation, reflection, and action, connecting communities across cities, regions, and generations through sport and social impact.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mbongiseni Buthelezi described the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series as a platform that unifies existing sporting initiatives while creating new opportunities for participation and collective action.
“The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series brings together established moments of participation and impact under one platform, while creating new opportunities to mobilise people around active citizenship, solidarity, and social justice,” said Dr. Buthelezi.
More than a series of sporting events, the initiative is a call to action — encouraging people to walk, run, and ride in support of causes that promote dignity, equality, and opportunity.
Funds raised through the series will contribute to programs aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance social justice, dialogue, and community upliftment.
Importantly, the Foundation views the Mandela Legacy Sporting Series as an evolving platform that can continue to welcome new initiatives, partnerships, and forms of participation in the years ahead.
The Mandela Legacy Sporting Series is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, reinforcing the belief that everyone has a role to play in shaping a better future.
Registrations will open soon.
Members of the public, corporate partners, and community organisations are encouraged to participate, support, and amplify the movement.
Watch the launch here: https://bit.ly/3R2Ok2U
For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/3Rm0PGJ
