'The days of politicising athletics are over' - New CGA President Karabo Mabilo

Newly elected Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) President Karabo Mabilo intends to hit the ground running, by repairing the province's tainted image through an aggressive public relations drive. According to Mabilo, this strategy which has emerged as her first order of business, will signal a new era for the federation and shine the spotlight on CGA's renewed ambition.

"I'm excited. Thanks for the support. It's one of the things I'm grateful for. The media has always supported CGA. I'm humble and beyond grateful for the support the clubs have shown, the commissions and belief and trust people have bestowed upon me," she told #TheTopRunner moments after winning the CGA Quadrennial election at the Germiston Stadium.

Mabilo who served as Acting President during Steven Khanyile's suspension, who yesterday's election (24 January) with 91 votes. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

Determined to stabilise a province plagued by infighting and boardroom politics that saw the dissolution of the board last August when she served as Deputy President, Mabilo wants her board members singing from the same hymn sheet, a move she believes will restore stakeholder confidence and revive CGA’s image. The Diepkloof Athletic Club member wasted no time in setting the tone for her leadership, mapping out a clear path aimed at steering the province onto a stronger and competitive trajectory. 

"I'm going to bring back CGA to its glory days. I'm going to ensure that in terms of PR, people see that CGA has good leaders. If we have a structure that’s not unified, we will not get results. The fundamental thing I truly believe needs to happen is for us a board to find ourselves and ensure that we transfer that message to council members, constituencies, corporate sponsors and stakeholders. It's important to be united and being able to work together. That's the first thing we’ll do so that our people can believe in this thing we are trying to deliver," she said.

The former CGA acting president reiterated her confidence in the board, which comprises her deputy Lethabo Mashigo, commission chairs Tiyani Khoza (athletes), Maggie Dicks (track and field), Val Brentano (cross-country) and Cindy Nkomo (road running), as well as additional members Alain van Achter, Queen Mofokeng, Dirk van Zyl and Llale Seema, emphasising that she believes in collective leadership.

Newly elected CGA board members Nkomo, Mabilo, Khoza, Bretano and Dicks during the election. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"I'm not an island. I work with the board. People will see that we can work together. Gone are those days of politicising athletics. We have to be professional and not carry unnecessary bad energy because the people who put us here expect results."

She assured her commitment to athletes, stating that her tenure will place their needs at the centre of all decisions, while also pledging to aggressively pursue corporate sponsorship to drive development initiatives. 

"I hope this board ensures sponsors come back. We will then transfer the resources to young athletes interested in the sport. We need to bring interest back. If there are no resources, they are going to participate only at sub-youth level and then disappear. We have to ensure there is continuity in our programmes and that companies interested in the sport support us. We also have to ensure that what we commit to these children has longevity."