Good teachers know how to bring out the best in their students, and Simphiwe Mshishi Mngwengwe is the perfect example.
Mngwengwe will be running the Icons Journey Marathon in the Eastern Cape later this month to raise funds for his students.
Mngwengwe, 29, from Cato Ridge, has a Bachelor’s degree in education and is currently completing his honours in economics at University of Zululand. He runs under the banner of the University of Zululand Athletic Club, coached by abulani Mnguni.
Mngwengwe teaches economics and tourism at Nombuso High School, Port Edward, where he now lives.
“My passion for running started in 2014, I was 19 years-old and working as a gardener in Camperdown,” said Mngwengwe.
“I would run from home to work in the morning and afternoon. I ran a total of 32km a day. As a child I loved watching the Comrades Marathon and I would tell myself that one day I would be part of the ultimate human race – this really built my passion for running.”
He ran his third Comrades Marathon this year with a time of seven hours 20 minutes and 50 seconds and earned himself his first silver medal.
In 2015, Mngwenge, went on his first official race – it was the Save Orion Marathon in Pietermaritzburg.
This race got him hooked on running. He said running has taught him, that if you passionate about doing something, you can conquer the world. Mngwenge is using his love for running to help his pupils stay in school and achieve their dreams.
“The aim of doing the Icon’s Journey Marathon is to raise enough funds to benefit the rural boys and girls with school shoes, sanitary towels and sport kits,” he said.
“I have a passion for my students, and this is why I want to be a part of fund raising. I want to teach my students the importance of goals setting – once they set goals, they must work to achieving it.
“Secondly, discipline and commitment – for a matric student dedication and perseverance is necessary. Finally, positive thinking, cultivating a positive mindset, practising self-belief, and overcoming self-doubt are essential elements in life. A positive attitude can contribute significantly to achieving success – our focus now is getting 100% matric pass rate at Nombuso High School.”
The Icon’s Journey Marathon will be held in Eastern Cape (Umthatha) on July 30. The 100km race will be Mngwenge’s longest race he has done to date. This race will inspire his students and the rest of the Ugu District Grade 12 pupils to reach for the stars and excel in their matric examinations.
“I want to make sure my students are always motived even after they complete grade 12. They must continue with setting goals for themselves. Often learners take a gap year after completing matric because they lack clear goals. I want to see them succeed and do great things with their lives,” said Mngwenge.
