The Vodacom Charity Goat Races, held on September 19, 2026, at Posta Grounds in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, brought together spectators, sponsors, business leaders, and goat owners for an afternoon of racing, entertainment, and fundraising for education. Organised by the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay, the event featured 80 goats competing in various races. The annual event aims to raise Sh200m to support over 150 students pursuing university, college, and vocational education.
Six goats emerged as winners in their respective races, each earning Sh400,000. Kilimanjaro Flash won Race One, while Cloud Nine claimed Race Two. Bongo Blazer triumphed in Race Three, Bongo Royale took Race Four, Taifa won Race Five, and Goaty McGoatrace emerged victorious in Race Six. Each race featured 10 goats sponsored by different companies and organisations, creating a lively competition that kept spectators cheering as the animals raced towards the finish line.
The excitement reached another level during the special NMB unGOATable Race, a VIP contest featuring specially sponsored goats. In the race, NMB the GOAT defeated Bowman to claim victory, giving NMB Bank Plc a memorable moment in its first participation as a sponsor of the Goat Races. NMB Bank Head of Private Banking, Getrude Mallya, presented a prize to Bertha Mnyera following NMB the GOAT’s victory.
The bank’s participation added another corporate partner to an initiative that has continued to use entertainment to mobilise support for students facing financial challenges. According to Vodacom Tanzania Business Director, Nguvu Kamando, the company was proud to sponsor the event and support an initiative that combines entertainment with education. Kamando stated that supporting community initiatives remained important to Vodacom, particularly programs that create opportunities and contribute to people’s development.
Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay President Paul Muhato described the event as successful, thanking sponsors, participants, and spectators for supporting the initiative. Muhato expressed gratitude for the support, which will aid in providing financial assistance to students pursuing their education. The event’s success demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts between corporate partners, organisations, and individuals.
The Vodacom Charity Goat Races have become a popular annual event in Dar es Salaam, with over 5,000 people expected to attend last year’s event. This year’s event targeted Sh200m to support more than 150 students pursuing university, college, and vocational education. The initiative has been using entertainment to mobilise support for students facing financial challenges, and it continues to attract new corporate partners.
The event’s organisers and sponsors have expressed their commitment to continuing the initiative in the future, with plans already underway for the next edition. As the event comes to a close, the focus shifts to the impact that the funds raised will have on the lives of the students who will benefit from the financial assistance.
Key points
- The Vodacom Charity Goat Races raised funds to support over 150 students pursuing university, college, and vocational education.
- Six goats emerged as winners in their respective races, each earning Sh400,000.
- NMB Bank Plc participated in the event for the first time, with its sponsored goat, NMB the GOAT, emerging victorious in the special NMB unGOATable Race.
