Queen Mo Foundation empowers young runners in Mpumalanga | Mpumalanga News

On a mission to make a difference, Morongwa Dlamini is making it her task to help aspiring runners reach their dreams. Affectionately known as Queen Mo, she shares her love of sports by taking young runners under her wing.

Dlamini says Mpumalanga is a province deeply rooted in sporting talent, but burdened by widespread poverty. She wants to help develop young people.

On Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, she was not only celebrated by her biological children, she was also honoured by her ‘children’ that she met on the journey of making a transformation.
Through her organisation, the Queen Mo Foundation, she is touching hearts by playing the role of a mother to some local runners.

She is well-known for her bright outfits and wigs that she wears when she is cheering these athletes on during their races. When the finish line has been crossed, the support continues in their education and well-being.

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This foundation plays a role in transforming lives by promoting a healthy lifestyle, identifying sporting talent in disadvantaged communities, and enabling those with potential to thrive in the world of athletics. She facilitates access to essential resources including race registration, transportation, running shoes, athletic gear, bursaries, accommodation and coaching.

Since its inception in 2019, the organisation has supported many athletes in Mpumalanga.
Driven by her motto, “We leave no athlete behind”, Queen Mo said she started her foundation after she saw young runners participating in competitions without shoes, and some without proper undergarments.

“Some of these runners would reach the finish line with bleeding feet. Some of them come from homes where they do not receive support because their parents do not understand the running community. When their child tells them about a competition, they start thinking about money simply because they do not understand.”

Dlamini said they have managed to distribute new and used running shoes to about 100 athletes.
“Our runners have achieved remarkable results, earning gold, silver and bronze medals. Highlights include one of our runners winning a silver medal in the Imbube Marathon in Eswatini, and the junior girls’ team securing podium finishes in the Soweto Marathon.”

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Dlamini said she has managed to get these runners to competitions in and outside of Mpumalanga through the assistance of the community. “Some local businesses and individuals assist by donating funds and this makes it possible for those runners who cannot afford it to compete.”