BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

RUSTENBURG mayor, Mpho Khunou applauded the 2016 Comrades Marathon winner, David Gatebe and other athletes from the municipality who participated in this year’s run.

Khunou hosted a mini ceremony to honour the athletes, encouraging them to mentor others so that more champions can be produced from the province.

“We have 2015 comrade marathon winner, Gift Kelehe who works as a policeman in Rustenburg. We also have David Gatebe from Sun Rise Park in Rustenburg. These achievements augur well for our city. We want to put Rustenburg against the best cities in Africa and this is a testimony.

“We now want to formally congratulate David Gatebe as the municipality. He conquered the gruelling 89 kilometer down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on May 29 to win the title,” Khunou said.

He added that Rustenburg and the North West at large is now on the map owing to the exploits of Kelehe and Gatebe.

“You have not only put Rustenburg on the world map, but made us proud once again after Gift Kelehe did the same last year by winning the 2015 comrade marathon. You continue to inspire the youth of Rustenburg in particular, North West province and the rest of South Africa in general.

“Congratulations and keep it up as you will be defending the championship next year. The municipality will support your efforts at all times. We are in the process of availing Olympia Park stadium to yourself and club mates, Gift Kelehe, Peter Gaebetse and Gordon Lesetedi. We want the stadium to be your official training venue,” he said.

Gatebe appreciated the support shown by the municipality and promised to continue inspiring young people.

“I am grateful to God for granting me such strength to break a stunning world record. I also broke the record set by Russian Leonid Shvestsov in 2007. I am happy to celebrate the rare moment with the people of Rustenburg in general and Sunrise Park in particular. I dedicate this win to them,” Gatebe said.

-TDN

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