Soweto Marathon to go ahead, with three Trustees suspended by Athletics South Africa

SABC Sport on Tuesday evening revealed that the Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) had canned this year's event due to ongoing disputes with ASA over broadcast rights.

In a rapid twist, SM Trust chairman Sello Khunou, general secretary Ishe Sadike, and board member P. Tainton have been immediately suspended by the national athletics federation.

The trio have been accused of tarnishing the sport’s reputation and will face a two-year suspension, while the ASA board has appointed a new board of Trustees tasked with ensuring the smooth functioning of the SMT, and with organising the 2023 Soweto Marathon for November at FNB Stadium.

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

Confirming the news to SABC Sport, Mandla Radebe, general manager of Central Gauteng Athletics, stated the SMT board of Trustees has appealed the decision made by the disciplinary committee.

However, the suspensions will remain in effect until the appeal committee reviews the case and potentially sets aside the sanctions imposed on the concerned parties.

"The Soweto Marathon is being held hostage by three dissatisfied individuals, who act as if they own it. What grounds do they have for canceling the race? The sport should not suffer due to the hidden motives of these members," an angry Radebe said.

"They don’t have the authority to cancel the event over internal matters. The race belongs to the Soweto Running Clubs, not them. Their actions have tarnished the reputation of the sport."

Radebe further claims that a meeting took place between CGA and 15 Soweto Running Clubs in Diepsloot, Soweto on Sunday, with the purpose to discuss the future of the marathon. 

Radebe strongly refuted the claim made by the now-suspended three members regarding CGA’s removal of the Soweto Marathon from its calendar, allegedly due to TV rights disputes.

"The Soweto Marathon Trust is not a direct member of ASA, but reports to the provincial structure CGA. The Trust must adhere to the rules of the ASA and CGA adheres to the rules of the ASA," he added. 

"The race has not been canceled and will take place in November whether they like it or not."