“Let the Man Make His Coins”: Man Discusses R1K Cape Town Jogging Initiative, SA Shows Support

• An organised sports run through a Western Cape township, Khayelitsha, ignited considerable discussion online
• A recent online post post TikTok highlighted the event, detailing a guided tour and run for participants
• Many social media users expressed support for the initiative and highlighted its potential benefits for the local community at large
• Briefly News spoke with Buntu Matole, who co-founded and co-manages ABCD Concepts with his partner, Ayanda Cuba.

A recent social media post brought an organised sports event, 'Jogging in the township,' into the spotlight, stirring up quite a conversation.

The clip, shared by TikTok user @originalmnh, quickly gained many comments from social media users who largely expressed approval for the initiative.

Unpacking the township jog

In the video, @originalmnh shows a poster advertising the "Jogging in the Township" run taking place in Khayelitsha as he records the clip. The initiative raises questions for the content creator, who openly pondered whether it was a genuine community-building effort or a charity drive. He ultimately concludes that the concept, on paper, seems conceptually wrong to him, unsure of how others feel.

Exploring the township while keeping fit

We at Briefly News spoke with one-half of ABCD Concepts, Buntu Matole, about the Jogging in the Township initiative.

We asked the man what motivated him and his partner to create the event, and how the concept came about. He shared:

"The idea came about while we were organising local sporting events through our organisation, Sporting Code. As the popularity of our work grew, we were invited to develop a unique tour experience in Khayelitsha, and that’s when the jogging experience, #Runkasi, was born. As long-distance runners who have spent years jogging through the streets of Khayelitsha, just like many others in our community, we saw a powerful opportunity. Rather than keeping this routine to ourselves, we decided to open it up to the world. Jogging in the Township was created to grow the culture of running, share our lived experiences, and invite others to connect with Khayelitsha in a way that is active, meaningful, and deeply authentic."

We asked how they address concerns about the perception of “tourist activities” in townships, especially around exploitation. Buntu said:

"That’s a valid concern. As someone who grew up in Khayelitsha and still lives here, this is something I take very seriously. Community safety and dignity are our top priorities. Our deep understanding of the area, from the culture to the dynamics on the ground, helps us create experiences that are respectful, informed, and rooted in real relationships. We make sure our guests are well-briefed on the context of the community, including the dos and don’ts, so that their presence is not intrusive but rather welcomed and appreciated. This isn’t about observing from the outside, it's about connecting meaningfully, with care and mutual respect."

The Briefly News team asked what role the event plays in promoting local tourism and job creation. He noted:

"Local tourism plays a vital role in community development, often in ways that extend beyond our direct control. Through Jogging in the Township, we’ve seen firsthand how creating a simple, authentic experience can spark real economic activity. The event creates opportunities for local vendors, guides, photographers, and storytellers. It also opens doors for internship and mentorship programs for young people in Khayelitsha who aspire to work in the tourism industry. When people visit with intentions, it helps the local economy thrive and encourages pride in our community.

We asked how they plan to expand the initiative and if there are partnerships or future events in the works. He added:

"Next year marks 10 years since we first began offering this experience to international visitors — a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. As we approach a full decade, we’re dreaming bigger. We’re planning a special celebration that will not only honour how far we’ve come but also chart where we’re going. We’re currently in search of the right partner to walk this next chapter with us — someone who shares our values and commitment to sustainable, community-based tourism. More details will unfold in the coming months, but it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning.

When asked what impact they hope it will have on Khayelitsha and its residents. Buntu said:

"We want people from Khayelitsha to see themselves differently, to feel pride, ownership, and connection. We also want outsiders to engage more meaningfully, beyond the headlines. If we can contribute to more positive representation, create opportunities, and promote wellness, then we’re heading in the right direction."

The jogging in the township concept

This unique event is a product of ABCD Concepts, founded and co-founded and co-managed by Buntu Matole and Ayanda Cuba. Jogging in the township event promises participants, who include tourists, a captivating experience starting with an introduction to Khayelitsha and its rich history. The route includes stops at local schools and a coffee break within one of the township's vibrant communities. Priced at R1050, the run kicks off at 7:30 AM, with runners meeting at the local Home Affairs office. The event is advertised on WebTickets, suggesting a professional and organised setup.

SA rallies behind the initiative

The reaction from the online community was overwhelmingly positive, with social media users finding no fault with the event. Many of the comments expressed unwavering support for any legitimate business venture undertaken by a black entrepreneur, as long as it was clear of criminal activities. Some took the opportunity to explain the broader context of the event, emphasising its role in promoting tourism in Khayelitsha and job creation for locals. Others were delighted to learn about the run and promised their support on their next visit to Cape Town.

User @Smangele Mchunu440 added:

"I love it. Let the man make his coins. I wish I thought of this."

User @Mr.AKeys shared:

"Please don't ruin our businesses. They must come, been looking for an iPhone 16."

User @defaultNickname said:

"😂 Nah, bro, let's not mess up his hustle. Please!"

User @Yayah commented:

"When I visit Cape Town. I'm doing this as a runner. I pay to run on the road within cities. So, I'd love this experience. Big ups to our black brother for a brilliant business idea. Love it."

User @💀Joe Push💀 shared:

"It's no different than walking with a guide through the favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Great initiative."

User @Brendon said:

"I believe this is a great initiative. Sports provide a powerful way to engage our youth and steer them away from negative influences. It helps keep young people active and focused, reducing the risk of alcohol and drug abuse. If structured and supported properly in every township, it could not only help lower crime rates but also create employment opportunities and a stronger sense of community."

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News articles about townships

• A young man human rights activist, made waves online after confronting agencies, celebrities and film crews for exploiting township visuals while ignoring its people.
• A woman who has lived in different Cape Town townships advised those who could afford to get out of the townships, calling them toxic.
• A kasi landlord showed off her vandalised rental apartment, adding that her tenants just left without notifying her and that she had never asked them for a deposit.

Source: Briefly News