Running to deliver degrees

I am Matsimele Mphahlele, and I am the Senior Accountant in the Department of Library Services at the University of Pretoria (UP).

My running journey began in 2014, after routine health screening results highlighted the importance of adopting a more active lifestyle to reduce health risks. What started as short, manageable distances quickly grew into 10 km runs, then half marathons (21 km), and eventually my first full marathon in 2015.

In 2016, I took on my first Comrades Marathon, an experience that marked the beginning of a deeper commitment to endurance running and personal discipline. Since then, I have completed more than 40 marathons and five Comrades Marathons. I am preparing for my sixth Comrades this year.

I find it deeply painful knowing that academically deserving UP graduates, who completed all the requirements for their qualifications, are unable to receive their degree certificates because of historical student debt.