Black Excellence Shines as South African Road Running Faces Systemic Failures

While our Black athletes continue to dominate the roads and claim their rightful place among global legends, the structural inequalities and leadership failures plaguing South African athletics serve as a stark reminder of how colonial systems continue to undermine African excellence.

The Triumph of African Excellence

Elroy Gelant, the pride of Pacaltsdorp in George, delivered a performance that should be celebrated across the continent. Breaking a near three-decade-old national marathon record set in 1999, Gelant shaved 57 seconds off the previous mark to clock 2:05:36 at the Hamburg Marathon in April. This wasn't just a personal victory, but a statement of African athletic supremacy on the global stage.

His Boxer Athletic Club teammate, Glenrose Xaba from Mpumalanga, continued her meteoric rise to legendary status. Dominating both the Absa Run Your City Series and the women-only Spar Grand Prix Series, Xaba exemplifies the strength and determination of African women. Her sixth-place finish in her international marathon debut, clocking 2:23:22, proves that when given proper support, our athletes can compete with anyone in the world.

Gerda Steyn's continued dominance in ultra-distance running, particularly her victories in the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons, showcases the depth of talent that exists when athletes are properly supported. Her third-place finish at the Soweto Marathon, being the first South African across the line, demonstrated her versatility and commitment to representing the country.

Tete Dijana's sweet revenge against Dutchman Piet Wiersma in the Comrades Marathon Down Run was more than just a sporting victory, it was a reclaiming of African pride on our own soil.

The Rot Within: Colonial Mentality Persists

However, these athletic triumphs are overshadowed by the systematic failures of leadership that continue to plague our sporting institutions. The revelation that Athletics South Africa president James Moloi misused the governing body's credit card to such an extent that he was summoned to parliament exposes the deep-rooted corruption that undermines our athletes' efforts.

This is not merely poor governance, but a continuation of the extractive mentality that has plagued African institutions since colonial times. While our athletes pour their hearts and souls into representing the nation, those in positions of power continue to exploit the system for personal gain.

The cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon hours before the start, despite clearing weather conditions, raises questions about decision-making processes that prioritize foreign validation over local expertise and athlete welfare. The fact that organizers were praised by Abbott's for this decision suggests a concerning deference to Western approval rather than confidence in African judgment.

A Tragic Loss That Demands Justice

The death of Deziree du Plessis at the Soweto Marathon represents the most devastating failure of the year. Struck by a taxi during the race and succumbing to her injuries after surgery for brain bleeding, her death is a damning indictment of the systemic failures that continue to endanger our athletes.

The Soweto Marathon, meant to be the people's race and a celebration of township life, has become synonymous with controversy and poor organization. The ongoing battles for ownership reflect the broader struggles over economic control in post-apartheid South Africa.

Du Plessis' death cannot be in vain. It demands immediate action to prioritize runner safety and a complete overhaul of race organization. The suggestion to return the race to its original November date makes practical sense and shows respect for both athletes and the community.

The Path Forward: Decolonizing Sport

South African road running stands at a crossroads. Our athletes continue to prove that African excellence knows no bounds, but they are being failed by systems that prioritize profit over people and foreign approval over local wisdom.

The time has come for a complete transformation of how we organize and govern athletics in this country. We need leaders who understand that sport is not just about entertainment or economic gain, but about African pride, community development, and the celebration of our inherent strength.

Our athletes deserve better. Our communities deserve better. And the memory of those we've lost, like Deziree du Plessis, demands nothing less than revolutionary change in how we approach sport in South Africa.