By Adnaan Mohamed
Farewell to Jetman Msuthu (1957–2025)
South Africa has bid farewell to one of its true road-running heroes. Jetman Msuthu, Comrades Marathon winner and Green Number 7532, passed away on 15 September 2025 at the age of 68, just days after the loss of his wife.
Born in the village of Lukholo near Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Msuthu began running at 18 and carried his stride into history. Between 1988 and 2016, he completed 14 Comrades Marathons, collecting three gold medals, 10 silvers and a bronze.
His greatest moment came in 1992 when, after finishing second, he was later crowned champion following Charl Mattheus’s disqualification.
That victory made him only the second man of colour, after Sam Tshabalala, to win the Ultimate Human Race.
Though denied the joy of breaking the winner’s tape on race day, Msuthu wore the mantle of champion with pride and humility for the rest of his life.
He also represented South Africa at the 1993 100km World Championships in Belgium, helping secure team gold. His final Comrades, in 2016, was a steady farewell run in 9:38:48.
Tributes have flowed from across the running fraternity. CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo called him “a legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.”
Former chair Cheryl Winn said, “He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.”
Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce remembered him as gracious and humble, while 1991 winner Nick Bester recalled him as both friend and teammate.
“It’s with deep sadness that I heard about the passing of Jetman, a friend and teammate representing South Africa at the World 100km Championships in Belgium in 1993, where we won the gold medal in the team category,” recalls Nick.
“Our team consisted of Cornet Matomane, Zephania Ndaba, Charl Mattheus, Mark Page, Jetman and I, with Bruce Fordyce and the late Vreni Welch as our team managers.
“Charl and Mark did not finish the race, so Cornet, Zephania, Jetman and I counted for the team prize. Condolences to his family – he will be missed!”
Jetman Msuthu’s name is etched in the history of the Comrades Marathon and in the hearts of those he inspired. His stride has stilled, but his legacy will continue to pace generations of runners.
The Champion Who Carried the Comrades Spirit
“A legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.” — CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo
“He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.” — Former CMA Chairperson Cheryl Winn
“My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was.” — Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce
“Our friend and teammate… he will be missed.” — 1991 Comrades winner Nick Bester