Comrades Marathon raises over R8 million for AmaBeadiBeadi charities
A record-breaking R8,012,438 was officially handed over by the Comrades Marathon to its six AmaBeadiBeadi official charities.
Image: Comrades Marathon / Facebook
AmaBeadiBeadi’s official charities have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the generous donations received from the Comrades Marathon.
The Comrades Marathon recently handed over a record-breaking R8,012,438 to their six AmaBeadiBeadi official charities: Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC), SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR), Community Chest of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, Rise Against Hunger, and Childline KwaZulu-Natal.
The Comrades Marathon expressed gratitude to its leading individual fundraisers. Mahesh Narendra Ratanjee contributed R320,000 to Community Chest, while Ida Van De Wetering raised R165,800 for CHOC, and Luc Quevauvilliers secured R86,000 for SHR.
On social media, the Comrades Marathon recognised all participants and donors — runners, supporters, and those who bought Win a Car tickets or apparel — for their extraordinary generosity. Their collective effort transformed a challenging race into a powerful force for good.
The Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) was blown away by the amount raised.
Image: Supplied
CHOC Manager Jayde McCarthy said: “We were blown away by the amount raised by our runners. Our goal was a very cheeky R3 million, and the fact that we were only R180K shy of this was just brilliant! Every year, our runners raise the bar even higher than the year before!
“All funds raised go towards various programmes, including transport costs, social worker salaries, housing costs, and various other support systems.”
McCarthy said the Comrades Marathon AmaBeadiBeadi initiative is invaluable. It has proven to be their biggest fundraising event each year.
“We are honoured to be a part of the Comrades Marathon and everything it entails. It is such a prestigious event, and everyone is so passionate about Comrades and the CHOC cows, which makes it a match made in heaven!” exclaimed McCarthy.
An incredible amount of R1,588,165 was raised for the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
Image: Supplied
Ian Catt, treasurer of the KZN Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and chairman of the SHR Comrades organising committee, said: “The Comrades Marathon is not only a race of endurance, but is also a race of generosity in many ways. Every runner who chose to run for SHR, every person who donated, and the Comrades Marathon Association itself have helped us take a significant step forward in protecting our wildlife and supporting our rangers, and the onerous tasks of protecting our conservation area. These projects will have a direct and lasting impact on conservation.”
Most funds will be invested directly from the KZN region of the SHR into critical SANParks conservation, ranger support, and anti-poaching initiatives in national parks across the country.
Funds from the 2025 Race4Charity will be allocated to:
- Kruger National Park: Upgrade anti-poaching facilities, kennels, and train two new K9 anti-poaching dogs.
- Mountain Zebra National Park: Procure wildlife monitoring and protection equipment, including collars for cheetahs and lions, and camera traps.
- Richtersveld National Park: Install security cameras to protect endangered succulents from poaching.
- Table Mountain National Park: Assist with K9 unit kennel renovations.
- Project Embrace: Support rangers and their families with trauma, stress management, and life skills training.
The funds received by Childline KZN are designated for crucial services, including their 24-hour crisis line, therapy for abused children, and outreach programmes in KZN schools and communities.
Image: Comrades Marathon / Facebook
Childline KZN director Adeshini Naicker said: “We are deeply grateful for the generous support received through the Comrades Marathon AmaBeadiBeadi initiative. It was one of the most exciting fundraisers we have ever been a part of, and we are truly humbled by the incredible effort from runners, donors, and the broader Comrades community. The funds raised will have a significant impact on our work, and we are thankful for every contribution that makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.”
Naicker said the funds are designated for crucial services, including their 24-hour crisis line, therapy for abused children, and outreach programmes in KZN schools and communities.
“These services are often lifelines for children in crisis, and this support helps us reach them with care, protection, and hope,” Naicker said.
She said the AmaBeadiBeadi initiative provides crucial funding and raises child protection awareness.
“Being associated with a globally recognised and deeply respected brand like the Comrades Marathon is a privilege for Childline KZN. It shines a spotlight on the work we do, connects us with a passionate and socially conscious community, and reinforces the shared spirit of endurance, hope, and unity. This partnership truly helps us go the distance for the children who need us most,” Naicker said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za