Athletes threaten legal action as CGA and Africanbank distance themselves from Soweto Marathon prize money saga

Frustrated with the delays in the payment of prize money from the 2025 Africanbank Soweto Marathon, several top runners are considering taking legal action against the organisers of The People's Race. Lesotho's Joseph Seutloali for example who is coached by Andrew Booyens, was the first man across the finish line on 29 November 2025. He should have received R250 000 for his efforts but is still waiting and losing hope. 

More than three months after the race was staged and a month after the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) finalised the doping results, Seutloali and the rest of the prize winners have still not been paid. Speaking through a statement released last month, the Soweto Marathon NPC which organised the 30th edition of the much loved and highly contested township race, asked for patience to conclude "…the necessary paperwork and technicalities which include a third party."

Seutloali won R250 000 but is still awaiting payment. His coach Andrew Booyens is considering taking legal action. Photo Credit: City of Joburg Sport.

Unsatisfied with the progress made since that statement was released on 9 February, Booyens penned a letter to the event's sanctioning body Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), demanding answers and threatening legal action. 

"A considerable period has now elapsed since the event and, despite enquiries made to date, the athletes have not received payment or a clear written timeline for settlement," said Booyens' addressed email to CGA General Manager Mandla Radebe. "In order to clarify the current situation and resolve the outstanding prize payments, I would appreciate confirmation of the race permit application and approval documentation submitted to CGA for the event. If the matter cannot be resolved through the federation structures, we will have no option but to pursue the appropriate avenues available to the athletes to secure payment of the outstanding prize money."

CGA's response came in the form a statement released to the media on 9 March, which pointed the finger of blame at the organisers of the race.

Booyens poses with his athlete Seutloali and Hollywood AC's Cindy Nkomo. Booyens is leading the charge to ensure that his athlete is paid. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"CGA also wishes to clarify that we have rules in terms of payments of prize monies that all race organisers are familiar with," the statement read. "In terms of Rule 9 of the CGA Rules and Regulations, race organisers are required to ensure that: Prize money is paid to all prize winners within ten (10) working days after the race; or within ten (10) working days after the completion of any outstanding race-related processes, such as anti-doping procedures, provided that each athlete has submitted their banking information. The delay in the payment of prize money therefore appears to be in contravention of the applicable CGA rules and regulations."

Prize winners have also been in contact with the event's headline sponsor Africanbank to determine whether the 'third party' mentioned in the statement released by the Soweto Marathon Clubs refers to The People’s Bank. While Booyens is still awaiting an official written response from Africanbank, the banking giant did field similar queries at the beginning of 2026 and replied by distancing themselves from the saga.

"We acknowledge receipt of the concerns regarding the prize money for the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon. African Bank participated as a sponsor of the 2025 event and fulfilled all contractual obligations, including the full payment of the rights fees. The administration of the race, which includes the distribution of prize payments, falls within the responsibility of the event organisers. Please direct your enquiry to info@sowetomarathon.com."