Advancing Community Health Through Inclusive Sport in Rural KZN

Gijima Team
Sep 21
2 min read

In Manguzi, on the northern edge of KwaZulu-Natal, health and inclusion go hand in hand. Every September, the Gijima Foundation (NPO 293-235) hosts Manguzi Gijima, a week of community dialogue and inclusive sport that has become a lifeline for thousands.

What began in 2015 with just 36 runners and 6 wheelchair users has grown into a flagship programme drawing nearly 2,000 participants each year, with 35–40% being persons with disabilities (PwD). More than a race, it is a model of how inclusive sport can transform community health.

Why Inclusive Sport Matters Here

Rural communities often face unique health challenges: limited healthcare access, high unemployment, and social isolation. For persons with disabilities, these barriers are doubled. Manguzi Gijima tackles them head-on by:

Promoting movement & health – 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km community runs alongside a 3 km PwD event, wheelchair sprint, and the MedBull obstacle course encourage all bodies to get active.
Fostering connection – By offering free transport and creating safe, accessible spaces, we bring families, caregivers, schools, and health services together in solidarity.
Building confidence – Whether a child in the All-Children’s Tent or an athlete conquering the MedBull, participants discover new strength and pride.
Linking to care – On-site primary health screening connects people to services they may otherwise never reach.

Our Workshop: From Dialogue to Action

The week begins with the Disability Engagement Workshop, where community members, caregivers, DPOs, and government stakeholders sit at the same table. Issues like transport, education access, employment, and health services are unpacked. Commitments are recorded publicly — turning voices into concrete action.

This isn’t just talk. Each year, new partnerships emerge, from school inclusion initiatives to rehabilitation referrals. It’s proof that when those most affected are heard, solutions follow.

Impact We’ve Seen

From 42 participants in 2015 to nearly 2,000 in 2024.
Hundreds screened for hypertension, HIV, and diabetes at our health tents.
Assistive devices sourced and delivered through workshop commitments.
Local business partnerships funding transport, water points, and prizes.
Growing recognition from SANAC, the Department of Health, and provincial leaders as a model for rural inclusion.

Looking Ahead to 2025

On 20 September 2025, the Wellness & Sports Day returns to Shayina Stadium, Manguzi. The Disability Engagement Workshop will take place earlier in the week, ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities shape the event.

This year’s theme:“See Ability, Not Disability — Building Healthier Communities Together.”

We invite donors, partners, and volunteers worldwide to join us. With your support, we can provide more transport, expand health screening, and create even stronger pathways for inclusion.

Call to Action

Inclusive sport is not just recreation — it is public health, social change, and dignity in action. By investing in The Gijima Foundation, you’re investing in healthier, more connected rural communities.

👉 Donate Today |

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