Soweto Marathon remain without a chairman despite securing a new sponsor

The People’s Bank intervened to rescue the Peoples Race, ensuring its continuation for this year. 

However, the implementation of new formal structures may prolong the process of selecting a new chairman to replace the suspended Sello Khunou within the newly elected Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT). 

Thokozani Mazibuko, a member of the SMT, informed SABC Sport that there are specific procedures to follow in order to appoint a new leader. 

The newly appointed board members include Steven Khanyile, James Masilo, Mazibuko, Watson Shelembe and Thulani Sibisi.  

"These things do take time, remember it's not all the board members that were suspended. It's only three members that have been suspended. So, there's a guiding document as to how you elect and when you elect," Mazibuko said.

"So, those need to be observed and obeyed. Without opening much as to how we look at the issue, remember I was also a board member before I was brought back here. On the verge of staging an event, I pulled out with reasons that I may not just spell out now through the media because I would like to do our internal issues in the boardroom not through the media," he added.

Mazibuko, a member of the board at Gauteng Athletics (CGA), took on the responsibility of securing a headline sponsor to rescue the marathon. Through his efforts, he successfully persuaded the People’s Bank to come forward and sponsor the People’s Race.

"My biggest task was to look for sponsors. My biggest task was to see to it that the event happens and thank god we are here now, we are launching the event. Remember at one stage it was announced that it was cancelled."