Nappy Run 2025 Celebrates 14 Years of Dignity and Hope

The skies over Johannesburg Zoo may have been grey and threatening on Saturday, 1st November 2025, but the spirits of hundreds of families, supporters and disability advocates shone brilliantly as they gathered for the 14th annual Nappy Run.

Started in 2011 by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), this treasured event has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s Disability Rights Awareness Month, bringing together communities to run, walk and wheel for those who cannot.

As registration opened at 6:30 am, there was palpable excitement in the air, despite the ominous clouds overhead. Laila Beukes, a teacher at Hope School, announced the proceedings with infectious enthusiasm, leading the gathering crowd in an energetic Macarena dance that had everyone—from children to professional footballers—moving and laughing together. Her sprightly spirit set the tone for a day that would prove unstoppable, even by the elements.

 

The 7:45 am start saw a kaleidoscope of colour surge through the zoo’s gates. Families pushed wheelchairs, children bounced with anticipation, and supporters adorned in creative costumes brought smiles to every face. Among the crowd were notable supporters, including five members of Sekhukhune Football Club, led by captain Linda Mntambo and vice-captain Daniel Cardoso, whose presence demonstrated that inclusion transcends the football pitch. The Blue Bulls mascot, Bulletjie, joined NCPD’s own beloved mascot, Abel, in cheering on participants, creating moments of pure joy for the youngest runners.

Leading the pack with extraordinary determination was Alister Tshepo Makhale from Inscape School, who not only crossed the finish line first but immediately turned around to complete the 5km circuit again—an impressive 10km total. His school was supporting the event for the first time, and Makhale’s dedication exemplified the spirit of going above and beyond for a worthy cause. Close behind came Kamogelo Mogoane, whose steady pace brought him across the line in second place.

The category for persons with disabilities showcased remarkable athletic prowess and perseverance. Lindani Shongwe powered to first place, with Shadrack Tshivase following in second. Their achievements reminded everyone present that disability does not define ability but rather highlights different ways of achieving excellence.

In a heartwarming moment of redemption, young Sihle Tsotetsi claimed the title of first child across the finish line—a position he had technically achieved the previous year but couldn’t officially receive when his family had to leave early due to other commitments. This year, despite another blustery day, the Tsotetsi family stayed the course, ensuring Sihle could finally claim his well-deserved recognition.

The costume competition brought levity and creativity to the proceedings, with Vaughn Kibido and Acarion Phiri taking top honours for their imaginative interpretations of the Nappy Run theme. Their colourful presence added to the festival atmosphere that persisted even as the weather began to turn.

Indeed, towards the end of the event, the threatened rain finally arrived—a brief but intense downpour that sent participants scurrying for cover. Yet rather than dampening spirits, it seemed to galvanise the community’s resolve. Runners who had already finished cheered on those still on the course, creating tunnels of encouragement under makeshift shelters. The message was clear: just as these families support their children with disabilities through every challenge, so too would this community see each other through to the finish line.

The Nappy Run campaign, which runs from October to December, has supported an average of 2,000 children per year throughout South Africa. Beyond delivering nappies—an essential dignity item for children and adults with disabilities who require them beyond typical ages—the campaign also evaluates children for wheelchairs and advocates for educational inclusion.

The event’s success was bolstered by tremendous corporate partnership. Teams from Concor, Epiroc, Marsh, Enter Media, WPP Media and Clicked participated, demonstrating that creating an inclusive society requires commitment from all sectors. Their presence reflected a growing understanding that accessibility and dignity are not optional extras but fundamental human rights.

As medals were distributed and children clutched their prizes, the true victory of the day became clear. It wasn’t measured in kilometres run or funds raised—though both were impressive. Rather, it was measured in awareness raised, in communities united, and in the message sent to every child with a disability: you are seen, you are valued, and you deserve dignity.

The  Nappy Run 2025 proved once again that when a community comes together with purpose and compassion, not even gloomy weather and passing storms can diminish the light of inclusion. As families departed the zoo, many were already asking about next year’s event, and the puddles on the path seemed less like obstacles and more like reflections of a brighter, more inclusive future.