"Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse" - Mathane speaks on disqualifications at LIMA Athletes Commission Indaba

Both elite and social runners in Limpopo have no choice but to follow both Limpopo Athletics, Athletics South Africa and World Athletics rules if they want to avoid further disqualifications. This was directive given by ASA Acting President John Mathane during the second edition of the LIMA Athletes Commission Indaba held at the Capricorn High School Auditorium in Polokwane this Saturday, 4 July 2026. 

Mathane says all athletes must follow the rules. Photo Credit: Nathi Kubyane.

Social runners in particular have been up in arms over the past few months after a number of runners were disqualified by technical officials for the infringement of rules. The emerging sentiment from some is that the rigid enforcement of certain rules in Limpopo is frivolous, while other rules may apply to elite athletes and not recreational participants in Limpopo’s various road running events. But Mathane stood firm. 

“Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse. I am also a qualified technical official, and as a technical official you’ve got a rule book that you utilise to regulate the competition. As technical officials our aim is not to disqualify athletes. Our aim is to correct the irregularities,” he explained.

Scores of athletes and club representatives attended the Indaba. Photo Credit: Nathi Kubyane.

Under Athletics South Africa rules, runners are not permitted to don any merchandise that has any form of advertisement. Branded caps that do not form part of a club’s official kit for example can fall foul of this rule, yet it is a rule that is not enforced to the letter in most provinces around the country where social runners are concerned. But in LIMA a number of runners have fallen victim to disqualification as a result of wearing merchandise which have been deemed to be advertising certain products or have nothing to do with the race on the day or are not part of club merchandise. 

“You can look at the issue of licenses. There’s a rule that says you can cover certain parts of the licence. Secondly, advertisement. Wearing a cap is not an issue because we have domestic rules and World Athletics rules. If domestically we can say an athlete can run with a cap, it’s not a problem. The question is how?” Mathane added.

The second edition of the LIMA Athletes Commission Indaba was organised by the LIMA Athletes Commission which is chaired by Phateng Kgomo. Photo Credit: Nathi Kubyane.

“People are advertising in caps, and running clothing. Do those logos comply with the standards? It is the responsibility of athletes to engage with LIMA, and it’s technical officials to check the apparel. Then maybe we can have a discussion about relaxing some of these rules because ours is to make sure that athletes compete in peace. I always say that where I am sitting social runners are the core of the sport Athletics.”