'Someone has to account' - CGA lift Mazibuko's ban as war for the soul of the Soweto Marathon rages on

Thokozani Mazibuko has accused his enemies of jealousy saying they sought to remove him because of the success that the Soweto Marathon has enjoyed under his stewardship. Following a protracted legal battle for the soul of The People's Race which saw the 2022 edition of the race not being televised, the removal of the Soweto Marathon Trust Chairperson Sello Khunou in 2023 and the freezing of the SMT’s bank accounts pending the outcome of a forensic probe, a new private company known as the Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd was registered by a group led by Mazibuko who then took control of the orgazning of the 2023 and 2024 events.

But just one day after the 2024 race which took place on 3 November, Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) led by Acting President Karabo Mabilo placed Mazibuko on an immediate leave of absence after a faction within the roughly 20 clubs that make up the Soweto Marathon Trust refused to recognise the new structure led by Mazibuko as legitimate. Although Mazibuko was not charged at the time of his suspension, he was prohibited from taking part in any athletics activities before his case was heard.

Mazibuko speaking during the 2023 Soweto Marathon in his capacity of interim leader of the faction of the Soweto Marathon Trust that wrestled control of the race. Photo Credit: African Bank Soweto Marathon Media.

On 3 June 2025, the CGA Board now led by President Steven Khanyile, met to deliberate on the findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee which dealt with the allegations made against Mazibuko. The DC concluded that the complainant "…failed to meet its burden of proof and that the respondent (Mazibuko) was able to rebut the evidence with authority."

Mazibuko was therefore found not guilty on three counts, while three other charges which the DC considered were dismissed because the complainant failed to present evidence. As a former member of the CGA Disciplinary Committee himself, Mazibuko argues that his suspension was politically motivated because it ensured that he would not be able to stand in the Athletics South Africa (ASA) elections which took place on 31 May.

CGA President Steven Khanyile and the board have brought an end to Mazibuko's leave of absence. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I am very disappointed that the organisation has taken so long to resolve my matter," he told #TheTopRunner. "I strongly believe that this was all a political move to put me on suspension for six months without levelling any charges against me. They used this as a weapon. They didn't want me to stand for any position at ASA or support any candidate that was standing."

"They were quick to run to the newspapers tell everybody that I was suspended and now that I'm clear, they are mum on the matter and nobody speaks about it. I'm busy trying to weigh up my options. Someone needs to account and I will make it a point that I explore all avenues."

CGA has ordered Mazibuko along with the other directors of the Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd company to present audited financial statements to the clubs of the Soweto Marathon Trust by 31 August.