'He was a servant of athletics' – Running community mourns the passing of CGA development committee chair Isaac Ndlovu

The athletics community in central Gauteng is mourning the death of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Development Committee Chairperson and founder and coach of East Athletic Club (EAC), Isaac Ndlovu, who tragically passed away, along with two people, in an accident on Saturday evening. The group was returning from the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships when the car they were travelling in collided with another vehicle on the R50 near Delmas, instantly killing Ndlovu, a mother and her daughter, while the driver, another passenger and a baby were flung from the car. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Gauteng athletics community.

Ndlovu was deeply committed to athletics development and never shied away from speaking out. He often criticized ASA for neglecting grass-roots programs, arguing that South Africa's inconsistent performances on the global stage were a direct result of underinvestment in sub-youth, youth and junior athletics. The former middle-distance runner nurtured talents such as Mahlatse Mamonyane and Gift Nkosi to multiple national titles. On the day of the accident, he had been cheering on one of his young athletes, Katlego Dlamini, who claimed a bronze medal—following a gold at last month's CGA cross-country championships.

"It's a big loss to athletics development in Daveyton. We are going to feel this loss for years. Some of us are champions and on the right path due to his wisdom. He wasn't just a coach, he was also a father figure," said Nkosi.

EAC's elite runner, Kwanda Longoza added, "My connection with him was beyond the boundaries of the track. He played many roles in my life. He was a coach, mentor, a father and friend. I'm deeply hurt by his passing."

He is also credited with unearthing other promising athletes from Daveyton, including Siyanda Madlabane, who won the U13 boys' 4km title at the national cross-country championships in the Vaal and the sub-youth 1 500m gold in Bloemfontein last year. CGA general manager Mandla Radebe said Ndlovu's legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to discovering and developing South Africa's next generation of top runners.

"He was a true servant of athletics and dedicated his passion to unearthing raw talent in the local schools of Daveyton and his broader community. He has produced many national athletes in the middle distances. In recent times, he was not only involved in unearthing talent but also contributed at various CGA Council meetings, advocating for more investment into Development by the province."

"His gift for nurturing young talent and work to advance athletics in the province will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy. As a province we are devastated by his untimely passing. It is a huge loss to the athletics community, his family, and all those who have worked with him over the years," Radebe said.