"I'm so proud of my club" - Entsika hand Tshuma handsome bonus after superb Comrades performance

After pocketing R519 000 (R464 000 and R55 000 for the Cell C hotspot) for finishing as the runner-up at the Comrades Marathon on 14 June, Nobuhle Nobukhosi Tshuma waked away with another big cheque when she was honoured by her club on Sunday night. At a glamorous function at Monte Casino on 5 July, the Entsika Foundation, which sponsors the Entsika Athletic Club, handed the first black woman to take second place at The Ultimate Human Race a bonus of R316 000. Entsika Foundation chairman Zakhele Mkhize praised Tshuma for being a go-getter whose achievement is a source of pride for the club.

Tshuma pocketed almost R1 million in prize money and bonuses after her historic achievement at the 2026 Comrades Marathon. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"We give because we want to see the black child succeed. That's why we do a lot of charitable work. We fund over 100 students across various tertiary institutions, we have care programmes for the elderly and we also look after athletes," he explained.

Entsika Foundation Chairman Zakhele Mkhize on giving a new homeowner the keys to his new home which was built by the foundation. Photo Credit: Entsika Foundation.

"What makes Buhle's achievement special is that she took the initiative,” he said alluding to her decision to leave her children at home and spend months raining in Kenya to prepare for both the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in April where she claimed third position and the Comrades Marathon where she clocked 5:53:36 to finish behind Gerda Steyn.

"She spent her own money to go to Kenya and moved out of her comfort zone. We didn’t tell her to go and train there. She chose to be uncomfortable and that is inspiring. We hope that this will motivate her teammates including some of our male runners to see that anything is possible if you commit," said the mother of three.

Tshuma in action during the 50th Comrades Marathon Up Run. She completed the 85,777km course between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in 5:53:36. Tshuma is only the second woman in history after Gerda Steyn to finish the Up Run in under 6 hours. Photo Credit: Givemore Mudziganyama.

Now able to bask in the glory of her historic achievement and the significant financial rewards, Tshuma who left her two young children with husband and fellow runner Givemore Mudziganyama to chase her dream, says it was difficult but worth it. The Zimbabwean whose running career started in Thembisa, says not bing able to speak XiSwahili and being stuck at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for days on the eve of the world’s most loved ultra marathon were the hardships she had to endure to emerge victorious at the 99th running of the Comrades Marathon.

"When I woke up in rural Kenya sleeping in the same yard with cows and sheep, I had to face the reality. I didn’t understand the language which made it difficult to train because I didn’t know what they were talking about before each session. It was hard. I think it’s a good motivation and shows that if you work hard and don’t give up you’ll reach your goal. I think I saved the club because I was on the podium because many clubs want the podium but don't manage."

Tshuma training in Kenya. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I'm so grateful to my club. Remember that I come a long way with Entsika. Just after I signed the contract in 2020, Covid hit. But I got my salary all of 2021 and even when I fell pregnant in 2022 I still got my salary. They were supporting me. I even got an increase without running a single race. It showed me that they believed in me. They believed that I would do it for the club and do it for the entire black community. So I had to work hard. I had to shine. I’m so proud of my club."