Dr Sizwe Zungu, a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) medical graduate and specialist anaesthesiologist, is set to tackle the 161km Washie 100 Miler ultra-marathon in the Eastern Cape to raise R100,000 for financially disadvantaged UKZN medical students.

The initiative, organized by the UKZN Foundation, is part of the MBChB Class of 2006’s 20-year reunion celebrations, where the alumni are choosing to give back rather than celebrate.

Zungu’s decision to participate stems from the support he received during his own medical journey, emphasizing the importance of community and perseverance.The race, spanning 26 hours, requires immense endurance and is supported by volunteers who play a crucial role in keeping runners motivated.Zungu, who graduated in 2006, has completed advanced qualifications and now works at Dr Edington and Partners in Durban.His passion for running began after leaving his specialist training in 2015, leading to his first Comrades Marathon in 2016.

The fundraising campaign aims to ensure financially struggling medical students can continue their studies, addressing a critical gap in South Africa’s healthcare education system.Donations can be made through the UKZN Foundation’s website, highlighting the impact alumni can have on future generations of doctors.