Mozambique, Pemba: On the 17th of October 2023, the Pemba City Municipality organised a 5km marathon race and invited The Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) members to partake in supporting the initiative and celebrate with the community.
The City of Pemba Mayor, Simba Motarua, also participated in the marathon. The aim was not to see who is faster but to spend time and engage with community members while celebrating the city in the form of sports.
Marathon races and other forms of exercise have numerous benefits for mental health, reducing anxiety, depression and sensitivity to stress.
Since October is Mental Health Awareness Month, it was significant for SAMIM and the community members to partake in the marathon to help improve their cognitive function. The marathon also provided a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, and it was indeed a great success.
The marathon race was in two groups: the female category and the male category. In the female category:
- The FIRST PRICE was Captain M. Mphahlele from the Republic of South Africa contingent, who received a gold medal and 10,000 meticals.
- The SECOND PRIZE was Captain S. Kaizer from the Republic of Botswana. Warrant Officer M. Chiwama received a contingent who received the silver medal and 7,500 meticals.
- The third PRICE was won by the Republic of Zambia contingent. She received a bronze medal and 5,000 meticals.
In the male category, only SAMIM member Sgt D. Masedi from the Republic of South Africa came third and received a bronze medal and 5,000 meticals.
Simba Motarua, the Mayor of Pemba City, with the support of SAMIM Acting Chief of Staff Col G.K. Amukwata from the Republic of Namibia and SAMIM Chaplain F.P. Mtshona from the Republic of South Africa, awarded the winning members with the medals from Pemba Municipality as a token of appreciation and thanked them for their participation.
SAMIM Force remains committed and resolute to restoring peace and stability in Cabo Delgado Province, Republic of Mozambique, by degrading any form of violent extremism and terrorist activities. SAMIM is a reputable, efficient and responsive enabler of Regional Integration and Sustainable Development.