By : Linda Mantshintshi
The Bella’s Athletics Club in conjunction with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) will host a 42km Makhonjwa Mountain Marathon in Barberton on 22 October 2022 to promote and boost tourism in the Mpumalanga Province.
The marathon is expected to start from the Josefsdal Bulembu border post entry to The Kingdom Of Eswatini and finish at Barberton Prison Farm Rugby fields, the marathon promises to be one of a kind thus the most scenic mountain run that will twists and curl its way through one of the province’s most breath-taking valleys.
Participants are expected to experience a tour through the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, eleven (11) – stop trail with information boards containing geological wonders on Barberton’s Greenstone Belt.
The Shiyangubo Dam which lies in the Lomati River by the Barberton Mountain land will not go unnoticed with an easy on the eye view that will give those who gaze at it a jaw dropping experience.
Makhonjwa Mountains possesses wealth of history and heritage that has earned its place and recognition at the 2nd United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee, meeting in Bahrain. Rising to 1800 meters above sea level, it is without doubt a world wonder that is worthy to be explored and celebrated.
The tourism sector is way too big in the province as compared to other industries, according to Statistics SA. It is proven that its activities and associated tourism expenditure directly contributed R 209 billion to the national economy in 2019. However, the Covid-19 outbreak dealt huge blow on the tourism sector after foreign arrivals dropped by 71% from just over 15, 8 million in 2019 to less than 5 million in 2020.
Bella’s Athletics Club Chairperson Bobo Zitha said tourism was by far a major role player to the economy of our province. With the outbreak of the pandemic, tourism experienced a decline and as a result jobs were lost, and the revenue decreased. “When times demand that people live a healthy lifestyle, we saw the need and opportunity to encourage the people of Barberton and Mbombela to consider running as a lifestyle sport while we promote the areas as destination of choice,” Bobo Zitha, Bella’s Athletic Club.
It is said that the marathon will accommodate all members of the public who will walk or run for 42km, 21km or 4, 9km to the historical mining gold town of Barberton.
“We promise to give people a lifetime experience of lifestyle and tourism intertwined. We encourage all members of the public to join us celebrate our world wonder,” Bobo Zitha.
Joining the show in style is the Mini Cooper car which will be sealed with a beer festival courtesy of SAB at the Barberton Prison Farm Rugby Fields.
