Gauteng is preparing for one of the most meaningful events on the province’s annual calendar as thousands get ready for the Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run. The event takes place on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at the historic Union Buildings in Pretoria. It marks twelve years since the passing of former President Nelson Mandela, and residents across the province are once again coming together to honour the man whose leadership, courage, and humanity helped shape South Africa’s democratic identity.
Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, this annual event has evolved into a powerful moment of reflection and civic unity. What began as a modest commemorative walk has grown into a large-scale public gathering where families, athletes, school groups, and supporters walk or run in acknowledgement of Mandela’s life and the values he stood for.
The Remembrance Walk and Run is rooted in three ideas that remain central to Gauteng’s social fabric: the importance of collective memory, the role of community participation, and the belief that building a better future requires consistent action. Participants arrive for different reasons, but they all move with purpose and intention.
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A Gauteng Tradition That Continues Mandela’s Legacy
The event now draws thousands of people each year. Families walk together to introduce children to Mandela’s legacy through lived experience rather than textbooks. Recreational runners and seasoned athletes participate to reflect on the province’s progress and the ongoing work needed to strengthen social cohesion. Community leaders often use the event to highlight the importance of unity and shared responsibility.
The symbolism of the Union Buildings adds to the day’s significance. Participants make their way through the City of Tshwane with the landmark in sight, reminding them of the democratic journey that South Africa continues to shape.
Routes for Every Fitness Level: 5km, 10km and 21km
To ensure accessibility for all, the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run offers three distances:
The 5km walk is ideal for families, school groups, and older participants.
The 10km run attracts those who enjoy moderate fitness challenges.
The 21km run is a demanding half-marathon for experienced runners who want to honour Mandela’s resilience through physical endurance.
Whether participants walk, jog, or run, each kilometre becomes a symbolic gesture of remembrance. Many describe the energy of the morning, the sense of community, and the backdrop of the Union Buildings as a moment unique to Gauteng.
A Hybrid Event With Global Participation
Although the main event takes place in Pretoria, the hybrid model allows supporters from anywhere to join. Virtual entrants can complete their chosen distance from home, in local parks or across neighbourhoods while wearing the event shirt. This format has made the walk and run accessible to South Africans living abroad and supporters worldwide who want to honour Mandela through movement.
Entry Details and Exclusive 2025 Merchandise
Entries are officially open on the Mandela Walk and Run website. The first five thousand entrants will receive exclusive merchandise, including a commemorative shirt. With limited spaces available each year, organisers encourage early registration.
Entry fees are as follows:
• 5km walk: R100
• 10km run: R150
• 21km run: R200
Discounts apply for juniors and grandmasters.
All proceeds support the ongoing work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. This includes community programmes, educational initiatives, and the preservation of historical archives related to Mandela’s life and democratic contributions.
Race Day Details, Start Times, and Number Collection
The event begins on Government Road at the Union Buildings in the City of Tshwane.
Start times:
• The 10km and 21km races begin at 06:30
• The 5km walk begins at 08:30
Participants must collect their race numbers before Sunday, as no race-day collection is allowed.
Johannesburg number collection:
Nelson Mandela Foundation, Houghton Estate
Friday 5 December from 09:00 to 16:00
Pretoria number collection:
Union Buildings lawns
Saturday 6 December from 09:00 to 18:00
The collection process often becomes a gathering point where participants meet, share stories and reflect on why they attend each year. It sets the tone for race day and reinforces the sense of community that defines the event.
Why the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run Matters for Gauteng
The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is more than a commemorative event. It serves as a moment for Gauteng residents to pause, reflect and evaluate how far the province has come in building a more inclusive society. It also highlights the work that remains.
The event contributes to:
Community unity
Residents from diverse backgrounds walk side by side, reinforcing Gauteng’s commitment to social cohesion.
Health and well-being
The event encourages active living at a time when many South Africans are seeking healthier lifestyle habits.
Heritage preservation
The walk strengthens public awareness of Mandela’s legacy and the Foundation’s ongoing efforts.
Local tourism impact
Pretoria’s hotels, restaurants and attractions experience increased foot traffic as participants travel from across Gauteng and surrounding provinces.
Youth engagement
Parents introduce young people to Mandela’s teachings through activity and storytelling, fostering intergenerational understanding.
These benefits continue to make the Remembrance Walk and Run one of Gauteng’s most socially impactful events.
A Day for Reflection, Remembrance, and Action
The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run encourages participants to reflect on the role they play in shaping their communities. It serves as a reminder that remembrance carries meaning when it leads to responsible action. For many, the event becomes an annual reset, a moment to reconnect with shared values and a commitment to building a more compassionate and equitable Gauteng.
Take the Next Step and Be Part of Gauteng’s Tribute to Madiba
The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run offers South Africans a meaningful opportunity to honour Mandela’s legacy. Whether you are taking part with your family, running with friends or challenging yourself with the 21km route, this event opens the door to a deeper appreciation of the values that shaped South Africa’s democracy.
Register, participate, and contribute to the ongoing legacy of Madiba.
For more information or to enter, visit www.mandelawalkandrun.com and stay connected to What’s On G for updates.
Your next great Gauteng experience begins with one thoughtful step forward.
