Zebra Tribe out to empower young females as they lace up their running shoes for their fourth Cape Town Marathon

The Zebra Tribe, a dedicated running team from the Stellenbosch-based non-profit Endurocad, is gearing up once again to raise vital funds for the education and development of young South African female athletes who hold the potential for international success.

FOR THOSE Kimberley and Northern Cape runners headed down to the fairest Cape for this weekend’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, here’s a word of caution … beware of the Zebra stampede.

Here’s why I say this, as the marathon draws near, the much-anticipated return of the Zebra Tribe marks the fourth consecutive year this group will participate in the iconic race.

The Zebra Tribe, a dedicated running team from the Stellenbosch-based non-profit Endurocad, is gearing up once again to raise vital funds for the education and development of young South African female athletes who hold the potential for international success.

Endurocad was co-founded in 2013 by South African Olympic silver medallist Elana Meyer, alongside former Cape Town Marathon race director Janet Welham. The organisation focuses on nurturing young talent, especially female athletes, with the goal of empowering them both athletically and academically.

The Cape Town Marathon has become a central platform for the group to raise awareness and garner support for their mission of creating future national stars.

Budd’s carvings an inspiration

The Zebra Tribe’s journey began in memorable fashion when, during their first Cape Town Marathon, South African running legend Zola Budd arrived at the start line and handed Meyer and her teammates miniature zebra carvings. The group carried these tokens with them during the race, and the Zebra Tribe name was born.

Over the years, the team has become a symbol of empowerment, especially for young female athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds, and continues to inspire others through their involvement in the marathon.

This year, the Zebra Tribe will field a mix of notable personalities and rising stars. Among the high-profile participants is Rhonda Veetre, an American global C-suite executive and athlete who has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos multiple times, including in 2019, 2023, and 2024.

Veetre will join Meyer and Blanche Moila, the first black female South African athlete to be awarded national colours, to participate in the marathon, 10km, and 5km races. Their presence is a testament to the diverse and influential support the Zebra Tribe has garnered.

Running as a tool

In addition to the celebrity participants, the ACHIEVE Pathway Programme, a key initiative under Endurocad, will see 120 young girls take part in the 5km race. This programme uses running as a tool to develop strong, self-sufficient young women who can positively impact their communities.

“Through the Endurocad ACHIEVE Pathway Programme, we’re empowering young people to set ambitious goals and dream big. It’s about giving them the tools and confidence to realise their full potential on and off the track. When they believe in themselves, anything is possible,” said Meyer.

An impressive line-up

The Zebra Tribe will also field a competitive line-up in the marathon, with 20 runners, as well as 30 athletes in the 10km and five in the trail running events.

In the men’s 10km, elite athletes like Deon-Lee Hendricks, with a personal best of 29:02, Awethu Ntsotho (Personal Best 29:10), and Emmanuel Fredericks (PB 29:23), are all aiming to run sub-29-minute times. In the women’s 10km, Yandiswa Shange will look to beat her personal best of 35:58. Meanwhile, trail runner Philani Sengce will be pushing to improve on his eighth-place finish in last year’s 46km trail run.

Endurocad’s influence stretches beyond the race routes.

The ACHIEVE Pathway Programme, through which many of these young athletes are developed, is designed to instil confidence, discipline, and leadership skills in its participants. By fostering both athletic and academic growth, the programme aims to create well-rounded individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities. The Cape Town Marathon provides a platform for these girls to showcase their abilities while also highlighting the importance of sports as a vehicle for social change.

Bursary Programme

Endurocad also supports athletes through its Elite Athlete Development and Educational Bursary Programme, which offers talented young runners aged 18 to 25 the chance to train at world-class facilities with high-performance coaches. The bursaries provided allow these athletes to pursue an academic or skill qualification while developing their athletic careers.

Meyer emphasises that this holistic approach is essential for preparing young athletes to compete at the highest level and to equip them with the skills necessary for life beyond sport. “It has become the norm for young, talented athletes to study and gain a qualification while they also focus on the development of their athletic talent,” Meyer explained.

“We have seen so many athletes who have come through the system who now have a degree, diploma, or another qualification, as well as athletes who have made it to the highest level, representing South Africa on the global stage.”

Impressive results

Endurocad’s initiatives have already yielded impressive results, with numerous athletes earning national representation. In 2023 alone, four athletes – Ansume de Beer (pole vault), Beyon Prins (800m), Luke van der Merwe (high jump), and Wiaan Martin (4x400m relay) – represented South Africa at the CAA Junior and Youth Championships.

At the senior level, Nadeel Wildschutt and Lisha van Onselen competed at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships, while Lijan van Niekerk represented the country at the World Trail Running Championships.

Another key programme driven by Endurocad is the Stellenbosch High School Bursary Programme, which targets high school students from the broader Western Cape area. Thanks to the backing of the Athletics, Cycling, and Education (ACE) Trust, this initiative provides full schooling, hostel accommodation, specialised coaching, academic tutors, and mentors to its participants.

The goal is to create a pipeline of young athletes who are equipped with both education and athletic skills, preparing them for success at the national and international levels.

As the Zebra Tribe laces up for the 2024 Cape Town Marathon, their mission remains clear: to empower South Africa’s youth, particularly young women, through sports and education. With a mix of well-known personalities, elite athletes, and promising young talent, the Zebra Tribe continues to inspire and uplift, raising the bar for what is possible through the power of sport.

To support Endurocad and the Zebra Tribe’s fundraising efforts, the public is encouraged to contribute through the official Sanlam Cape Town Marathon charity platform.

Every contribution helps to ensure that South Africa’s future sporting stars have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.