'People trust me' - Mkasi prevails in KZNA Elections

After a marathon session on Saturday 14 June lasting for most of the day, Steve Mkasi managed to come out on top, retaining his position as the President of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) in the much anticipated elections that took place at the Westville Civic Centre. Mkasi garnered 36 votes to defeat former KZNA President Sello Mokoena who walked away with 24 votes. Pietermaritzburg based athletics coach Chris White and former KZNA vice-president Mandla Mngomezulu both received 17 votes each, while Romeo Hulane got only 1 vote. Speaking after taking the KZNA hot seat, Mkasi said he was pleased with the results and thanked the clubs that chose to support his return to the presidential office.

Mkasi says the hard work begins now. Photo Credit: Durban International Marathon.

"I'm very happy to be re-elected as the president of the province once again,” he told #TheTopRunner. “I’m honoured and humbled by the clubs that came out to vote for me. Elections are democratic and must happen. You can't fault anyone for standing or contesting for any position. I don't hold any grudge against the candidates that I was up against. It is a great indicator that people trust me. Now it's time for us to work," said an elated Mkasi.

Despite the AGM starting at 09:00 in the morning, the second session for the voting only commenced at 16:00. With the delay and in fighting, some clubs opted to sit out of the meeting. Furthermore, some of the province’s most recognised clubs such as Phantane, Hollywood AC, Maxed Elite Running Club and Kearsney Striders were unable to be part of the democratic process because they failed to submit their credentials on time. In a circular sent by the KZNA office to the clubs, all clubs were required to send credentials by June 6. Although disappointed that they were unable to participate in the AGM, Mkasi emphasised the importance of respecting the process. 

Former Deputy President Mandla Mngomezulu is out of the KZNA Board. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"We knew that it was going to be a long session today. As human beings, we are failing to comply with the process and do things by the books. The office had set a specific deadline for the club's to submit the credentials and most failed to do so. Which is why we ended up losing over 2 hours in the morning trying to find the solution regarding that. The process was tiring. In the end, there is only one person that can emerge as president and I'm grateful it was me," he said.

It proven to be a good day for Mkasi and his ally Khura Buthelezi was voted in as the vice-president ahead of Mokoena, Mngomezulu and White. Buthelezi previously served as the chairperson of the Track & Field commission where he was replaced by Sibongile Nxumalo. Sandile Mthembu will be in charge of the Athletes' Commission and Sabelo Ndlovu retained his position as head of Cross Country KZN. Mandla Makhathini will lead Road Running.