The winner of a car at this year’s Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha is on the frontlines of the war against gender-based violence.

Nomandla Lunguza, a lieutenant-colonel in the South African Police Service, is based at Kamesh in Kariega, a neighbourhood notorious for its high levels of abuse against women and children.

Her participation in the Nelson Mandela Bay leg of the women-only national series was born from a desire to run her 10^th road race of the year while supporting SPAR Eastern Cape’s own campaign against GBV.

Kamesh is gripped by drug abuse with females and youngsters often victims of violent acts perpetrated by those under the influence.

“Most women in Kamesh are really suffering and the other day an eight-year-old was murdered,” Lunguza said.

“Our spiritual leaders are praying every day for this to stop. This is why I knew I also had to be part of the Women’s Challenge.

“SPAR is playing a huge role in the fight against GBV and I’m sure we will win it at some stage.”

The Kamesh police station has 125 officers on its books, many of whom are women tasked with stamping out the scourge.

Lunguza, making her debut in the Women’s Challenge, entered the 10km option and duly completing it in 59 minutes.

Her race number was one of five drawn at the event, with each contender being handed a set of keys that could potentially unlock the vehicle put up as the grand prize.

She shrieked with delight when her remote opened her future ride.

Ironically, the 49-year-old has never attended a prizegiving after any of her races and, needless to say, she is exceptionally glad she did so on this occasion.

“At first, I didn’t have the feeling I was going to win, but as the DJs were asking [the crowd] who was going to win, I told myself, ‘I am going to – that car is mine’,” she said.

Originally from Keiskammahoek, Lunguza became a police reservist in 2007 and began working as a clerk at SAPS’s Cacadu (Lady Frere) station a year later.

In 2018 she was awarded the rank of captain and, four years later, made lieutenant-colonel upon her transfer to Kamesh.

Her love for running developed in Cacadu, where there was little to do outside of work.

“I ran to keep busy and fit,” she said, adding that she only ran one formal race during her time there.

Her goal this year was to complete 10 races and, as it happened, the Women’s Challenge was the one that got her over the line.

It goes without saying that she will be back for her second Women’s Challenge.

“This car is a blessing. I want to say thank you for this wonderful gift and for inspiring women.”

She, herself, has been wearing her collection of medals to work to encourage her colleagues to take up the sport.

SPAR EC managing director Solly Engelbrecht said it was important for the family retailer to show its commitment to the community and its women.

The Women’s Challenge was a big part of that, he added.

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