First-time marathon runners Rob van Vuuren and Giovanni Afrika are tackling the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon to raise funds supporting vulnerable youth communities.
South African entertainer Rob van Vuuren and Amy Foundation operations and logistics coordinator Giovanni Afrika are preparing to run their first-ever Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in support of vulnerable children and youth across Cape Town.
The pair will take on the gruelling 42.2km race to raise funds for the Amy Foundation, an organisation focused on empowering young people through after-school programmes, mentorship, skills development and educational support in township and Cape Flats communities.
Rob van Vuuren aims to raise R18,000 through the campaign, enough to sponsor two vulnerable children through the Amy Foundation’s After-School Programme for an entire year. Giovanni Afrika hopes to raise R9,000 to fund one young person through a full year of skills development and training.
“I’ve spent most of my career making people laugh, but this challenge is about something far more meaningful,” said van Vuuren.
“Training for my first marathon has pushed me physically and mentally in ways I never expected, but knowing that every step can help change a young person’s future makes it completely worthwhile.”
For Giovanni Afrika, the marathon carries deep personal meaning rooted in his Cape Flats upbringing.
“Growing up on the Cape Flats, I’ve seen how important it is for young people to have support, guidance and opportunities,” said Afrika.
“The work the Amy Foundation does in our communities is real. They help young people stay focused, stay safe, and believe in themselves.”
The Amy Foundation has spent nearly three decades creating opportunities for young people living in vulnerable communities through education support, mentorship, nutrition programmes, sport and employment pathways.
Amy Foundation Chief Operating Officer Michelle Bagley praised the runners for embodying the resilience and determination the organisation seeks to inspire in its learners.
“Every kilometre they run represents another young life being empowered, uplifted and given a chance to dream bigger,” said Bagley.
As Cape Town prepares to host one of Africa’s leading marathon events, the Amy Foundation is encouraging the public and businesses to support the fundraising campaign and help expand opportunities for young people across the Western Cape.
