By Noko Mashilo
In the quiet coastal town of Manguzi, KwaZulu-Natal, Manguzi Gijima, a wellness movement of resilience and inclusion was born.
What began in 2015 as a modest community fun run with just 36 runners and six wheelchair users has today blossomed into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most inspiring wellness events. It has grown into a movement that consistently attracts around 2,000 participants across KZN, Gauteng, and even Mozambique.
This year, the journey begins on 18 September with a workshop at Shayina Hall, followed by the main race on 20 September at Shayina Stadium and it carries the powerful theme, I am not my disability, see my ability.
The Manguzi Gijima wellness event, co-founded by sports scientist and dietitian Rael Sanzul of the Gijima Foundation, together with his team at the Rehabilitation and Dietetics Departments of Manguzi Hospital, they have built more than just a sports day. They have created a platform that raises awareness, empowers persons with disabilities, and champions access to healthcare and physical activity in one of South Africa’s most underserved communities.
Sanzul said that the Manguzi Gijima Wellness Event is designed to offer a full day of holistic wellness, blending physical activity, comprehensive healthcare services, and pure fun. “It is an inclusive celebration that ensures there is something for every age, background, and ability, said Sanzul.
He further said that on the sports front, the program features a wide range of races, including 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km routes, with dedicated prize categories across a spectrum of disabilities, physical, visual, auditory, and intellectual.
“A major highlight is the MedBull Challenge, a timed wheelchair obstacle course that transforms the everyday skills of mobility into an exciting competition. It is always a crowd favourite, and even non-wheelchair users are encouraged to test their abilities. The event will also showcases wheelchair sprint races, Goalball (a Paralympic sport for the blind and visually impaired), and traditional board games,” he explained.
Sanzul also said the wellness experience extends far beyond sport. “A primary healthcare screening hub will be available on site, offering HIV/TB testing, non-communicable disease screenings (diabetes and hypertension), malnutrition assessments, and dedicated dental checks for children with disabilities.
Rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists will lead a gross motor play area for children, combining therapy with fun and developmental support.
Most importantly, everyone screened is linked directly to Manguzi Hospital for ongoing care, ensuring that the benefits of the event last long after the day itself.
Since wellness is also about joy and connection, the event is infused with celebration, jumping castles, face painting, vibrant local music, and dancing. Together, these elements weave a joyful, inclusive environment where the community unites in the spirit of health and empowerment,” emphasised Sanzul.
Sanzul said behind this success is a grassroots partnership model. “At the heart of it are local Disabled Persons’ Organizations, such as Siletha Ithemba, whose members are actively involved in planning and execution each year. From the very beginning, the event has also drawn foundational support from key government departments.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has played a central role in shaping the sporting side, while the Department of Health ensures the healthcare element is practical and impactful,” said Sanzul.
He also said a pivotal turning point came with the late Dr. Jacques Lloyd, a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities. “After attending an early Manguzi Gijima, he connected the initiative with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), opening doors to a wider network of partners and scaling the vision.
This ethos of inclusion is reflected in every detail, even our service providers. We actively choose businesses that employ persons with disabilities, while many local vendors support the cause by offering discounted rates.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of a diverse coalition of partners, professional associations like The South African Society of Physiotherapy; corporate sponsors such as CE Mobility, Raubex, and Build-it; and incredible KZN North Coast businesses and lodges including Kosi Bay Lodge, Tembe Elephant Park, and Wetland Water.
Alongside them are the dedicated individuals from the community who continue to stand with us. This broad coalition is what makes Manguzi Gijima possible,” he concluded.
