For years now Farwa Mentoor (35) has been the top South African female finisher of the Comrades Marathon.
Aptly described as the ultimate human race, the Comrades covers 89km and attracts thousands of top runners from South Africa, the continent and overseas. The undulating route —- between Durban on the coast and Pietermaritzburg inland -— is quite spectacular.
Last year Mentoor clocked 06:59:40 earning a gold medal, bringing her tally of medals to seven. The 36-year-old runs in the Bonitas —- a medical aid scheme -— Athletic Club colours.
Three years ago, when she was just 15 minutes away from the Comrades finish line, her body gave in and her legs could not carry her any longer. But, to everyone’s surprise and in true Comrades spirit, she mustered up strength and crawled on all fours to the finish line.
This awe-inspiring fortitude, a rare spectacle watched by the world on TV, earned her a fifth place and a gold medal. She said what motivated her on the day was that she was running for the Heart Foundation and was not prepared to disappoint them.
Mentoor, who has won several medals in other notable marathons, such as the Two Oceans (she came fourth in this year’s race), is coached by her husband, Anwar.
During this year’s epic Comrades South Africans will be rooting for her. Maybe this will be the year she brings to a halt the dominance of the Russian twins, Olesya and Elena Nurgalieva.
How do you earn your living?
I am on a retainer from Bonitas Medical Funds and I am also a full-time runner with Bonitas Athletic Club.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the notorious Mitchells Plain and I am third-eldest in a family of seven. The area is just like Soweto with rows and rows of sub-economic housing designed for the so-called coloureds. Most of my peers ended up as factory workers.
Which schools (primary and secondary) did you attend?
I did my primary education at Eisleben Road Primary and my high school was at Spine Road High between 1985 and 1989. I finished grade 12 in 1993.
Did you have a favourite teacher?
Yes, Mogamat Kamedien. He always spoke respectfully to all learners. He treated all of us as equals.
Why were you so fond of him?
He taught me to be respectful and treat all people the same way. He was really a true gentleman. Today he is the principal of a school in Hermanus in the Boland called Qhayiya Secondary and I can fully understand why they chose him for this position.
What influence did he have on you?
To be open-minded and respect the other person’s view.
Are you still in contact with him?
I phone him regularly, especially to get advice on computer-related problems.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
History and geography. Mr Kamedien was my geography teacher and I also had a brilliant history teacher in Mr Hoffmeester as he was able to relate past historical moments to contemporary issues. I liked history because we learned about past events in various parts of the world. As for geography, I enjoyed it because I love nature like mountains, rivers, seas and wildlife.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
A good teacher should always be prepared for his or her lessons. He or she must also not only concentrate on the academic side of things, but must also involve learners in extramural activities. He or she must also respect his or her learners, as well as fellow teachers.
What are the things a teacher should never do or say?
A good teacher must never insult or look down on his or her learners. He or she must provide guidance and also be a source of support for learners.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
They must keep on teaching — it is the only viable tool to create a responsible and healthy society.