Excitement Builds for 34th Gandhi Walk in Lenasia on 7th April



Organisers up the excitement to give Gandhi Walkers and the community an experience like never-before.




LENASIA – The Gandhi Walk Committee hosted the launch of the 34th Annual Gandhi Walk on Saturday 16th March 2019 at the Gandhi Hall in Lenasia with members present from the media, sponsors, volunteer-groups and various other community organisations. What unfolded was a spectacular unveiling of activities and announcements to make this (2019) Gandhi Walk the most thrilling and exciting one yet.

Following the official opening by Gandhi Walk Committee PRO, Mahendra Modi, Chairman Amit Parbhucharan began to unpack what all to expect.

First was the announcement of the main sponsor partners being; BNJ Tax & Financial Consultants, Golden Era Group, Lenmed, Medal Paints, OnTime Readymix Concrete, Trade Route Mall; with security for the day provided by Lethal Forces, sound & lighting by JYM, logistics by Events by Chetna and advertising by Rising Sun Lenasia, East Wave Radio, Lotus FM, Classic Central Radio and Colors TV (East ‘n You).

The Gandhi Walk theme for 2019 is SPORTS and the official social campaign is hashtag #GWUnited4Sports. Several community partners promoting different sporting codes are engaged and these community partners will all receive donations from the Gandhi Walk Committee following the walk.

The united for sports community partners are Atlantis Swimming Club for #swimming, Ocular Technologies Cycle Club Lenasia for #cycling, Darushifa for #sports4seniors, Emmarentia Sporting Football Club for #soccer, SANParks Honorary Rangers for #bushwalking, Run Walk for Life Lenasia for #healthwalking as well as UJ Hydrogen Innovation Society for #ecocarracing.

It was also announced that Lenasia Soccer League (LSL) have provided written commitment not to schedule any soccer matches on Gandhi Walk day (7 April 2019) to allow many teams and players to walk it as a community in support of the sports campaign.

This year, the organisers plan to turn the streets of Lenasia “blue” come Gandhi Walk day and in so doing the official 2019 United4Sports walker top was unveiled by sponsors Gauteng Sports Confederation and Lenmed. The top bears a fresh design and look. Walkers with a valid walker number can collect their free top from the Gandhi Hall on Saturday 6th April or the Sunday morning of the walk (7th April). Note, stocks are limited!

A special custom machined 2-piece collectable commemorative medal was unveiled by Yaseen Valli and Lindiwe Dlamini from sponsor Trade Route Mall. The 2019 United4Sports part of the medal will be given to finishing walkers this year and the 2nd piece which fits on top - which will commemorate the 150th birth year of Mahatma Gandhi - will be the medal given to walkers for the 35th Gandhi Walk in 2020.

One highlight was the announcement of the main stage entertainment dubbed, “Dance Sensation 2019” which will feature 5 top dance academy’s from the south of Joburg in a professionally judged competition-style Bollywood and Hollywood dance-off with each of the groups looking to impress the judges and the crowd, vying for a grand prize valued at over R100,000. The groups participating are Desi Motion, Ghungroo, Jazzy Masala, Maza and Sitaare. Public support is urged as a special device will be brought in by specialist sound partner JYM to measure the applause for the live crowd vote – which will be independently audited!

Additionally, there will also be a Fashion Showcase with top models featuring a collection from TRIBE IKITA by Mikita Govind and bringing a different flair to Lenasia this year, the organisers will have the colourful and vibrant Chang Wah Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe present to thrill all ages with this unique Chinese artform. The event will also be graced by celebrities and various beauty pageant title holders.

Besides the Biryani, Chip Roll and Samoosa’s which the Gandhi Walk is so famous for, there is a new addition to the menu to tempt the pallets for 2019 and it is the official GANDHI WALK BURGER with food partner Fry’s. Walkers will also receive a complimentary ice cream at the finish from Polar ice-cream until stocks last.

The morning warm up will be something different with instructors from the Tai Chi Chuan Institute Alberton doing an open-air Tai Chi session from 8AM so do please come join in.

East Wave Radio will be broadcasting LIVE from the Gandhi Walk and Classic Central Radio will also be streaming live and worldwide from the Village Bakery Cup Cake point on the walking route – yes that’s right, a cup-cake-point and kids get a free cup-cake to keep them motivated! UJ Hydrogen Innovation Society will lead walkers with its eco-friendly race car while the Charity Riders will parade ahead of the 12km walkers on their roaring motorbikes.

The public can come get a free health check (blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol) with professional medical personnel from Lenmed. View a wild life and skulls display by SANParks Honorary Rangers. Attain consular services from the Consulate General of India Johannesburg and their Visa processing partner VFS Global. Receive amazing basic treatments all for free at the Fabulosity Zone with the Zaheera Bayat Style & Image Studio. For the gaming enthusiasts, Gamefinity brings PlayStation gaming to Gandhi Walk 2019!

Cycle Club Lenasia are the official judges for the Gandhi Walk as trophies will be awarded to the first three winning males and females of each distance. Trophies are sponsored and presented by Truro Shipping. Lethal Forces, Saaberie Chisty, ER24, Lenasia Block Watch, Joburg Metro and a over a hundred marshals made up from various community groups will all be teaming up to ensure walker safety and traffic calming on the roads.

Look out for the big red bus as the official Joburg city sightseeing bus will be at the Gandhi Walk. City tour tickets to be won by some lucky walkers on the day. Contact the Gandhi Walk Committee for this exclusive ride to see the Gandhi Walk from a whole new perspective!

In summary, there will be a lot to see, do and eat at Gandhi Walk 2019 so get your tekkies ready and meet you at the Gandhi Hall on Sunday 7th April from 8AM.

Entry tickets are a mere R40 and available from any Computicket, Checkers, Shoprite, Checkers-hyper and online from www.gandhiwalk.org.za

For further information about the Gandhi Walk contact Mahendra Modi (PRO) on 083 288 4178, or Ramesh Baichar on 082 082 650 9416, or Jasubhen Manga on 084 309 0361, or Rakesh Jivan on 084 627 4938, or Jivan Ramjee on 083 354 3021, or Amit Parbhucharan on 083 400 3050.


SPORTS THE THEME FOR 34TH GANDHI WALK

The 34th Gandhi Walk takes place on Sunday 7th April 2019 at Gandhi Hall, Impala Crescent, Ext 5, Lenasia.

The 12km walk will commence at 9.00am and the 6km walk at 9.15am..

Entrance fee to participate in the walks is R40.00 per person (all ages) and is now available at any Computicket nationwide as well as Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores.

The first 3000 participants to complete the walks will receive a free tee shirt, a special commemorative medal and a goodie bag. Trophies will be handed to the first three winning male and female participants in each walk. 

The organisers have chosen SPORTS as the central theme for this year and have launched its social campaign, hashtag #GWUnited4Sports. The Gandhi Walk Committee humbly requests all sports organisations and clubs to encourage their officials, members and their families and friends to attend the Gandhi Walk and walk in unity to create an awareness for sports.

The GWC is working tirelessly to organise a full day’s program for the community to enjoy with their families and friends.

We look forward to seeing you all at this mega charity event which has now grown to become the biggest and greenest social charity fun walk on the Joburg south social calendar.

For further information contact Mahendra Modi (PRO) 083 288 4178 or Amit Parbhucharan (President), or any GWC member.

Friday 18 January 2019