CGA stand regarding Soweto Marathon

Image: Soweto Marathon

Central Gauteng Athletic has regrettably noted the continued defiance and involvement of expelled and suspended members by Athletics South Africa and the province respectively using Soweto Marathon. 

This has been an ongoing concern which has been raised in a number of communication to Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) amongst other issues of governance. The Soweto Marathon Trust trustees expelled by Athletics South Africa (ASA) for reasons such as bringing ASA into disrepute are Ishe Sadiki and Sello Khunou. Despite the expulsion of these 2 members they continue to be a prominent features in the Soweto Marathon Trust even after being sanctioned by Athletics SA.

Central Gauteng Athletics has suspended Stanley Itshegetseng pending ongoing investigations and a possible disciplinary enquiry. Unfortunately Itshegetseng has been prominent at various media platforms defying  his conditions of suspension which clearly restrict his participation in athletics pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing. 

In our communique dated 6 October 2025 sent to SMT, CGA expressly provides for reasons as to why an adverse decision was taken not to grant or support SMT in its current form, which are summerized as follows:

1. Continuous of defiance of both ASA and CGA in allowing suspended and expelled members to participate in an athletics event through Soweto Marathon. 

2. Lack of governance and financial reporting which was communicated by CGA to SMT requesting for financial and race report to be shared with Beneficiary clubs and CGA.

3. The Soweto Marathon Trust was founded and operated with approval from the CGA and ASA to amongst other:

4. To organize the Soweto Marathon, and 

5. To implement the Soweto Marathon Development Programme.

6. To ensure that the Soweto Marathon Trust meets all its fiduciary obligations towards CGA and the clubs who happen to be beneficiaries of the trust.

The above is made out of reference to the MOU signed by Athletics South Africa, Central Gauteng Athletics and representative of Soweto Beneficiery clubs. The MOU clearly status that Soweto Marathon will not be a rogue structure which is law onto itself and unaccountable to athletics federation.  

Our efforts to assist and mediate to find a lasting solution has on  numerous attempts has been rejected and appended by apparent defiance from the SMT. 

CGA as a governing structure takes great pride in upholding prope

In our communique dated 6 October 2025 sent to the Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) we clearly gave reasons why the decision of awarding of the 2025 Soweto Marathon to NPC who happens to be viewed by SMT as a rival. It must be emphasized that the NPC presented evidence that the majority of beneficiary clubs agreed to use it as a vehicle to organise the Soweto Marathon till governance matters of SMT are resolved. However, the continued defiance displayed by SMT has shown no interest in building and aligning itself with principals and governance of athletics in the province.

After careful consideration and a thorough review of the current state of affairs in this structure (SMT), CGA has no alternative but to confirm the position taken by the ASA and CGA can no longer be seen to be recognizing the Soweto Marathon Trust as a host of Soweto Marathon till all the governance issues are resolved.