On the 26th of April 2026, Germiston Stadium in Johannesburg buzzed with the energy of over 1,700 ACTOM employees, all lacing up for the highly anticipated ACTOM Power Race. What began as an idea inspired by the success of the previous Vaal Race has now become a flagship event in ACTOM’s drive to promote wellness, unity, and employee development.
A Vision Rooted in Wellbeing and Community
According to Sylvester Makamu, ACTOM’s Group Human Capital Director, the Power Race was driven by a simple yet powerful aim: to promote employee wellbeing.
“We saw the excitement and unity the Vaal Race brought, and we wanted to recreate that—this time closer to home,” Makamu shares. With most ACTOM factories in the East Rand, Germiston was an ideal venue, making participation more accessible and inclusive for all staff.
For ACTOM, wellness is more than a corporate buzzword—it’s a core value. Makamu notes, “Health and safety come first in our company. We believe profits follow wellness. There’s no point in a profitable company if employee health is compromised.” The race, therefore, is not merely a sporting event but a living embodiment of ACTOM’s commitment to its people.
Building Team Spirit Across Divisions
From a human capital perspective, the Power Race is transformative. With over 43 sites, ACTOM’s workforce rarely has the chance to interact as a single, united group. The event breaks down these barriers, allowing employees from various divisions to run side by side, compete, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Whether it’s factory workers, executives, or cleaners, everyone is part of one big ACTOM family on race day.
Makamu recalls one of the race’s most moving moments: “Seeing differently abled employees participate—whether in wheelchairs or running with the support of colleagues—was truly inspiring. Their determination and joy captured the spirit of inclusivity that ACTOM strives for. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all part of something bigger.”
Leadership’s Commitment to Employee Wellness
This culture of participation and wellness is championed at the top. ACTOM’s leadership doesn’t just encourage involvement—they make it possible. Registration fees are fully covered, branded shirts are provided, and meals are provided to all participants on race day. “We believe the returns to employees’ wellness and morale far outweigh the costs,” Makamu explains. “It’s about making sure everyone feels valued and included.”
Measuring Success: More Than Numbers
The 2026 Power Race saw a record turnout, with a significant increase from previous years. This was especially impressive given the event’s timing, sandwiched between public holidays and a long weekend. “It exceeded all expectations,” Makamu says. “Each year, we see more colleagues getting involved. That’s the true measure of success.”
Organisational Challenges and Triumphs
Coordinating an event of this scale is no small feat. From ordering and distributing shirts in the right sizes to arranging logistics with municipal authorities, metro police, and medical facilities, the preparations are extensive. ACTOM partners with Izintombi, a company it helped establish, to manage apparel, while the Callies Running Club supports event logistics. “It’s a collective effort,” Makamu notes, “and the result is always worth it.”
Beyond Policy: Creating a Culture of Wellness
Makamu stresses that wellness at ACTOM is now more than just a policy—it’s a standard that guides the company’s actions year-round. The Power Race is a cornerstone of this approach, but the vision extends further. “Wellness must be a continuous journey, not a once-off event. We’re already looking forward to the Vaal Race scheduled for 24 October 2026, and our goal is to see even greater participation and unity.”
A Message of Encouragement and Growth
To all ACTOM employees, Makamu offers a message of encouragement: “The Power Race is more than running. It’s an opportunity to connect, to challenge yourself, and to discover new passions. Even if you’re not a runner, come join in—you might surprise yourself. Today you run five kilometres, next time it could be ten. It’s about growing together.”
