Durban runner laces up for children in need ahead of Comrades
Funds raised through the campaign will directly benefit 7, 845 children under the age of five attending ECD centres supported by the organisation.
Durban Athletic Club runner, Mahesh Ratanjee, is once again using the Comrades Marathon as a platform to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, appealing to the public to support his latest fundraising campaign for early childhood development (ECD) programmes across KwaZulu-Natal.
Ratanjee is one of Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg’s dedicated ‘Superhero Runners’ participating in the Race4Charity initiative linked to the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
Funds raised through the campaign will directly benefit 7, 845 children under the age of five attending ECD centres supported by the organisation.
The initiative helps provide proper nutrition, educational resources, physical development equipment and qualified teaching support to children from underserved communities, giving them a stronger foundation before entering formal schooling.
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Ratanjee’s commitment to the cause has already earned national recognition. In 2025, he was honoured as the Comrades Marathon Association’s Top Charity Fundraiser of the Year for the second consecutive year after raising an impressive R320, 000 for Community Chest.
His fundraising journey began following the loss of his daughter, inspiring him to dedicate each of his Comrades Marathon runs since 2022 to supporting children in need.
Community Chest said investing in ECD has a lasting impact on both communities and the country, as quality early childhood education significantly improves children’s future opportunities.
Members of the public wishing to support his campaign can contact Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg on 031 303-3890 or email [email protected]. Donations can also be made directly through his Race4Charity fundraising page.
