Monday, 20 October 2025

Cancelled, Not Defeated: What the Cape Town Marathon Taught Us About Crisis Communication


Days of carbo-loading, litres of hydration, Vaseline in strategic places, number pinned, outfit ready, and a restless night behind us. Race day was here. The Cape Town Marathon 2025.

Just before 05:00, friends were picked up and we headed out to collect the rest of our running group. Then, one WhatsApp after another began to pop up. On the dot at 05:00, the rumour became reality: the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled.

Shock. Disbelief. Denial. Anger. All in seconds.

Surely not? Maybe this was a mistake? A hack? A bad joke?

But as the official messages came through, reality set in. The 2025 Cape Town Marathon was indeed called off for safety reasons.

For everyone who had trained for months, it felt like studying for an exam only to have it cancelled on the day. The disappointment was deep. Yet, from a communication perspective, there is much to learn from how the organisers handled this curveball.

Crisis Communication in Motion

1. There was clearly a plan
When a decision of this magnitude hits, chaos usually follows unless there is a plan. Across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the messaging was consistent, calm, and coordinated. It was clear that communication had been prepared, not improvised. In a true crisis, consistency is credibility.

2. Empathy and clarity led the message
The tone was simple and sincere: runner safety is the priority. That statement alone set the foundation for the rest of the day. Had the race gone ahead and something tragic happened, the backlash would have been far worse.

3. Leadership visibility matters
Hearing directly from the CEO,
Clark Gardner, made all the difference. In moments of crisis, people want to hear from the person at the top, the voice that carries authority and accountability. The video message explaining the decision helped replace speculation with understanding.

4. Timing and transparency
Some runners questioned the timing and whether it could have been announced earlier. Perhaps it could. It is also fair to assume that the team was weighing every possible option, consulting safety officials, and waiting for final confirmation before making the call.

Importantly, once the announcement went out, communication did not stop there. Questions about refunds, medals, and future entries were addressed throughout the day. That is how trust is maintained: not through perfection, but through continuous, honest updates.

Turning a Crisis into a Case Study

This was not just a test of endurance for runners, but a test of communication for organisers. They demonstrated the four essentials of effective crisis communication:
Consistency. Empathy. Leadership. Transparency.

Yes, it was disappointing. But it was also responsible. When the wind gusts hit and the risks became real, the organisers made the right call, and they communicated it with care.

When the unexpected happens, integrity and compassion are what keep organisations and people moving forward.

Written by: Regine le Roux, Founder and Managing Director of Reputation Matters

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regine@reputationmatters.co.za

0833021528


Thursday, 2 October 2025

The Benefits of Crocheting


 The Benefits of Crocheting

Crocheting is so much more than a hobby. Research and lived experience show that it offers:

  • Stress relief and mindfulness, much like meditation.
  • Improved fine motor skills and concentration, as every stitch builds focus.
  • A sense of accomplishment and creative expression, seeing something beautiful grow from just a strand of yarn.
  • Social connection, whether through crochet circles, community projects or simply sharing tips with fellow makers.

From Waste to Worth

At Re.Bag.Re.Use, crocheting goes a step further. Instead of using store-bought yarn or wool, our makers work with plarn (plastic yarn) made from repurposed materials. Every ball of plarn, which is equivalent to ten empty bread bags, gives waste a second life, keeping plastic out of landfill and oceans. Each stitch not only transforms waste into functional art but also creates a little bit of extra pocket money for local women who cut, roll and crochet these materials into unique, multi-functional products. The result is beautiful functional art with both purpose and impact.

Get Involved

Why not give crocheting a try? We have made it simple with our plarn and crochet hook starter packs, designed to help you take your first steps. Our step-by-step tutorials on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, sponsored by Blue Ribbon, guide you through the basics so you can begin at your own pace.

Buy your plarn starter kit here: Blue Ribbon Plarn Starter Kit

We’d love to see your creations. Share your photos and stories with us using #rebagreuse #wastetoworth

For more information, please visit www.rebagreuse.com

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