15/06/2026
šš¾āāļøš³ļø DEMOCRACY ON THE MOVE: KZNCC COMRADES MARATHON 2026 VOTER REGISTRATION ACTIVATIONš³ļøšš¾āāļø
What an extraordinary day of active citizenship and public engagement!
On Sunday, 14 June 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council (KZNCC), in partnership with Kagiso Trust and the KZN Elections Forum, successfully utilised the 99th Comrades Marathon as a strategic platform to promote voter registration, voter verification and democratic participation.
Our activation began at 02:00 AM at Durban City Hall, where thousands of runners gathered ahead of the start of the world's greatest ultra-marathon. With more than 22,000 registered runners and thousands of supporters, volunteers, officials and spectators participating in the event, the Comrades Marathon provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage citizens on the importance of democracy and civic responsibility.
Throughout the day, our teams interacted with runners and supporters, assisting many with voter verification on the spot, answering questions about the electoral process, and encouraging voter participation. One of the most rewarding aspects of the activation was witnessing attitudes change through meaningful conversations. Many individuals who were initially reluctant or uninterested in registering to vote left our engagement points informed, inspired and committed to exercising their democratic right.
We were also privileged to engage with and interview former Comrades champions, athletes and members of the public, whose reflections on perseverance, leadership and nation-building added depth to our conversations.
From the starting line at Durban City Hall to the finish-line celebrations in Pietermaritzburg, the spirit of endurance, commitment and determination that defines the Comrades Marathon echoed the very values that sustain our democracy. The route became more than a race courseāit became a pathway for civic education, voter awareness and active citizenship.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Kagiso Trust, the KZN Elections Forum, IEC, our volunteers, coordinators and every citizen who took the time to engage with us. Together, we continue building an informed, engaged and active citizenry for a just and peaceful KwaZulu-Natal.
šøš„ Here is a glimpse of an unforgettable day where democracy met endurance, and every conversation brought us one step closer to a stronger South Africa.