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African Bank Soweto Marathon: Full steam ahead

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on African Bank Soweto Marathon: Full steam ahead

The 30th edition of The People’s Race is well and truly on track, powering forward with thanks to the thousands of eager runners entered to date. With the unwavering support of headline partners African Bank, as well as the City of Joburg, Athletics South Africa and Central Gauteng Athletics; the planning processes and procedures are well on track for an exceptional race day come 29 November 2025. 

In March this year, the Soweto Athletics Clubs passed a resolution that the proposed vehicle to administer the organisation of the 2025 Soweto Marathon race event would be a Non-Profit Company (NPC). This NPC was elected by a majority vote, with nine (9) out of eleven (11) Soweto Athletics Clubs in attendance at an official meeting held earlier this year. 

Due to conduct of certain individuals, specifically, Thulani Sibisi, Stan Itshegetseng and Ishe Sadiki, in April 2025 the Soweto Marthon (Pty) Ltd initiated a Court process against these individuals. It is therefore not true that either the (Pty) Ltd nor the NPC took the Soweto Marathon Trust to Court. The Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd and the Athletics Clubs of Soweto initiated a Court proceed where they sought certain interdictory reliefs against these individuals. The relief sought, amongst others, were as follows:

  • Directing that the respondents stop abusing the Soweto Marathon for nefarious gains and bringing the name of the Soweto Marathon into disrepute;
  • Directing that the respondents stop calling and convening meetings in the name of the Soweto Athletics Club and the name Soweto Marathon;
  • Directing that the respondents stop spreading false allegations against the Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd and its director, Thokozani Mazibuko; and
  • Directing that the respondents stop contacting stakeholders and presenting false and misleading information.

It is unfortunate that the matter was decided on a technical basis and same has left room for the individuals to continue with their propaganda campaign and spreading lies. The Court concluded that due to the fact of the abovementioned resolution taken in March, it could only be the NPC representing the clubs before it and not the Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd. wherefore, the Court made no ruling on the merits of the matter. We therefore wish to reiterate that there was never a Court process between the Soweto Marathon NPC or Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd against the Soweto Marathon Trust. Further, the Court case was not to determine who should organise the race. 

The race organising team, race office and all partners and sponsors remain unchanged and committed as per the hugely successful 2024 Soweto Marathon – the country’s biggest one day road race. With this in mind, the Soweto Marathon NPC would like to remind the valued running community of its objectives of ensuring good and proper governance and sound financial accountability.

Lastly, On 6 October 2025, the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) addressed a letter to the NPC recording that it is aware of the developments around the Soweto Marathon race and that things need to be sorted out. The letter records, amongst others, the following:

“It is unfortunate that those who are currently serving suspension by the country’s governing bodies, are being given any airtime whatsoever. Working together is what is needed here, and I remind every single person taking the time to read this that: The Athletics Clubs of Soweto own this race – and they will focus on the race organizing committee to run this race by the people, for the people.”

 CGA concludes by wishing the NPC well in its organizing the 2025 Soweto Marathon race.

The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Tanika LaskeyNewsLeave a Comment on The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

DATE CHANGE: South Africa’s biggest one-day race will be held on 29 November 2025

The 30 th edition of “The People’s Race” has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 – one day earlier than previously scheduled. The change of date has been granted by the Central Gauteng Athletics Road Commission, courtesy of Mr Mandla Radebe.

The Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company (NPC) which is carrying the race on behalf of the Soweto Athletics Clubs, confirmed that the movement of the race to one day earlier is due to the ZCC gathering taking place within the same precinct on Sunday 30 November 2025.

Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says that in consultation with their valued partners as well as
the Athletics Clubs of Soweto; it was decided that whilst moving the date is unsettling, it is also unavoidable. On the plus side, it opens the race up to even more fans to participate in the country’s biggestone day road race;

 
“We must first apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who have already entered. This race is by the people, for the people – and it is our duty to ensure that, as much as is possible, the race day is open to everyone, and not in competition with any other major events. Our service providers have given us the green light, all is confirmed and in place for another hugely successful race and we welcome all from far and wide to come join in the energy, festivities, history and warmth of Soweto.”

The race will take place at Nasrec, Soweto, hosted by The City of Johannesburg; with the route unchanged as per the 2024 edition.

Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer African Bank says, “African Bank is not just sponsoring a race — we’re investing in the heartbeat of Soweto. Every runner, every family member, every supporter brings economic energy that stays in the township, circulating and uplifting the community. We’re here because this community is our home, we were birthed here 60 years ago when African Bank ideated, and 50 years later since African Bank opened its first branch, we need to acknowledge our heritage. We’re here to celebrate our legacy, African Banks umbilical cord is in Soweto. 80,000 new customers who sign up with us each month, are predominantly from Soweto, and they are essence of why we stay. African Bank Soweto Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s a movement that shifts the trajectory of unemployment and economic
challenges. We run with our people, through highs and lows, because they continuously support us, and as a result – we back this race. Let’s make this the biggest race on the continent, and show what Soweto can do for South Africa’s economy.”

The African Bank Soweto Marathon race office will communicate accordingly with all those who have already entered as per the previous date communicated.

Soweto Marathon NPC would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to their partners including African Bank; Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; City of Johannesburg; Southgate Mall; Lenmed; SuperSport; VW Soweto; Castle Lite; Sowetan; eGenerators & Plant Hire; Action Photo SA; Athletics South Africa; South African Institute for drug-free sport.

Entry fees for all three categories are now open – and runners will undoubtedly welcome the news of the retained 2023 prices namely R380 for the marathon; R300 for the 21.1km and R280 for the 10km.

To enter, runners are encouraged to visit www.sowetomarathon.com. The prize money remains equal for both the
male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42.2km Open winner set to take home R250 000.

The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Soweto Athletics Clubs are ready to host South Africa’s biggest one-day race

Johannesburg, 11 September 2025 – The 30 th edition of “The People’s Race” is ready and will take place
on Sunday 30 November 2025. Entries are open, and the race is thrilled to confirm that entries received are
already into the thousands.
The Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company (NPC) is carrying the race on behalf of the Soweto Athletics
Clubs and has confirmed that all is on track with the race organising team, race office, partners and
sponsors remaining committed as per the hugely successful 2024 Soweto Marathon – the country’s biggest
one day road race.

Returning to Nasrec, Soweto, and hosted by The City of Johannesburg; the African Bank Soweto Marathon
route remains unchanged, treasuring the eight significant heritage sites on the marathon route; including
the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital; Walter Sisulu Square; the Regina Mundi Catholic Church; Credo
Mutwa Cultural Village; Morris Isaacson High School and June 16 Memorial Acre; Vilakazi Street and the
Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says that the Athletics Clubs of Soweto own this race and that
the job of the NPC is to execute another remarkably run iconic event that is unrivalled in passion, spirit,
unity and celebration; just like they did in both 2023 and 2024.
“We are grateful to once again have the trust of the athletics clubs of Soweto. The support given to us from
all our other partners, clubs, governing bodies and runners has been nothing short of extraordinary. We
know the standard our community expects and promise you nothing short of exceptional from start gun to
finish line.”

It is noted with concern, that Mr Ishe / David Sathikge was expelled by Athletics South Africa on 01 July
2023 and he is not allowed to address any meeting relating to the Soweto Marathon in any capacity. Both
Mr. Benjamin Khunou and David Sathikge are also precluded from holding any administrative position in
the sports of athletics, as expressed by general counsel of ASA, who have unanimously resolved to expel
them from the sport. Finally, Stan Itshegetseng has also been placed on indefinite suspension by the CGA
Board, pending a disciplinary hearing, so he too is not allowed to address any correctly constituted meeting
relating to the Soweto Marathon in any capacity.
Entry fees for all three categories are now open – and runners will undoubtedly welcome the news of the
retained 2023 prices namely R380 for the marathon; R300 for the 21.1km and R280 for the 10km. To enter,
runners are encouraged to visit www.sowetomarathon.com. The prize money remains equal for both the
male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42.2km Open winner set to take home
R250 000.

The Soweto Athletics Clubs look forward to hosting every single participant.

Date: Sunday 30 November 2025.
Venue: Start & Finish: Nasrec Stadium, JHB.
Categories: Standard Marathon (42.2 km): 05:30; Half Marathon (21.1 km): 06:30; 10 km run: 07:30.

For more information, please visit www.sowetomarathon.com
Issued on behalf of The Soweto Marathon NPC, by Caroline Malan – [email protected]

Soweto Marathon set to stride forward as an NPC

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Soweto Marathon set to stride forward as an NPC

Ready to host the 30 th edition of The People’s Race, those in charge of the Soweto Marathon will power the race forward, as an NPC.

The proposed vehicle to administer the organisation of the 2025 Soweto Marathon race event is a Non-Profit Company (NPC) by a majority vote, with nine (9) out of eleven (11) Soweto Athletics Clubs in attendance at an official meeting held earlier this year.

“We believe that this option will assist in ensuring good and proper governance and sound financial accountability. The appointed non-executive board of directors will comprise largely of qualified professionals, who will include in the number chartered accountants and attorneys. The Athletics Clubs of Soweto own this race – and they will focus on the race organizing committee to run this race by the people, for the people.” so says Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli.

The Soweto Marathon Trust has been dysfunctional since April 2023 with two significant matters that are as yet unresolved. The first is outstanding audited financial statements for the period 1 March 2020 to end of August 2023. The second is their non-cooperation with the forensic investigation relating to alleged misappropriation of trust funds. Both CGA and ASA are aware of this and the three trustees have been expelled from Athletics, as a result of the allegations relating to the misappropriation of funds. The are not allowed to communicate on behalf of the Race in any capacity.

Mr Mbuli confirmed that the race will be launched in August and will take place at the end of November 2025.

The race organising team, race office and all partners and sponsors remain committed as per the hugely successful 2024 Soweto Marathon – the country’s biggest one day road race.