Statement by Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mr Lebogang Maile, Following the 99th Edition of the Comrades Marathon
The Gauteng Provincial Government congratulates all participants in the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, from elite athletes and seasoned ultramarathoners to first-time finishers who conquered one of the world’s greatest tests of human endurance.
MEC Maile said the 2026 Comrades Marathon once again showcased the very best of the human spirit, with thousands of runners demonstrating extraordinary courage, discipline, resilience and determination over the demanding 85.7km Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
“Every athlete who stood on the start line and every runner who crossed the finish line is deserving of recognition. The Comrades Marathon is far more than a race; it is a celebration of perseverance, sacrifice, discipline and the limitless potential of the human spirit. We congratulate all participants for being part of another memorable chapter in the history of this iconic event,” said MEC Maile.
The MEC extended special congratulations to George Kusche on his magnificent victory in the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, describing his performance as a masterclass in endurance running and a fitting reminder of what can be achieved through preparation, belief and determination.
MEC Maile also congratulated the Comrades Marathon Association for successfully organising another world-class event that brought together runners from across South Africa and the world in a celebration of athletic excellence and human endurance.
According to MEC Maile, one of the most inspiring aspects of the race was witnessing thousands of South Africans from different races, cultures, languages, communities and backgrounds sharing the same road, pursuing the same goal and encouraging one another throughout the journey.
“The Comrades Marathon once again demonstrated the power of sport to unite people. Regardless of race, gender, language, social standing or background, runners stood together in pursuit of a common dream. This spirit of unity and social cohesion is one of the greatest strengths of our country and something we must continue to celebrate and protect,” said MEC Maile.
The MEC further noted that public servants from across the Gauteng Provincial Government were among the thousands of athletes who participated in this year’s race.
MEC Maile said he was particularly encouraged by the strong participation of employees from the Gauteng Department of Education and the Gauteng Department of Health, which recorded the highest representation among Gauteng Provincial Government employees who participated in this year’s Comrades Marathon.
According to MEC Maile, 42 participants came from the Gauteng Department of Education, while 42 participants came from the Gauteng Department of Health. They were followed by Social Development with 13 participants, e-Government with nine, Human Settlements, Roads and Transport, and Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation with four participants each, the Office of the Premier and Provincial Treasury with three participants each, Community Safety and Economic Development with two participants each, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Infrastructure Development and the Gauteng Liquor Board with one participant each.
“The strong participation of employees from the Gauteng Department of Education and the Gauteng Department of Health is particularly encouraging. These are departments whose employees serve our communities daily, often under demanding circumstances. Their commitment to maintaining healthy and active lifestyles demonstrates the importance of wellness, discipline and personal wellbeing in the public service,” said MEC Maile.
According to the MEC, the growing culture of running clubs and wellness programmes within government institutions is helping to build healthier employees, stronger workplace relationships and a positive spirit of competition that contributes towards a more effective and productive public service.
“Running develops discipline, endurance, consistency and mental clarity. Healthy employees contribute to healthy institutions, and healthy institutions are better positioned to serve our communities effectively. The same determination required to conquer the Comrades Marathon is often reflected in the commitment our public servants demonstrate in serving the people of Gauteng,” said MEC Maile.
The MEC extended special congratulations to Ms Unathi Hani, Chief of Staff in the Office of the MEC, and the Chief Whip of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Mr Lesego Makhubela, for their participation and achievement.
“We are particularly proud of Ms Unathi Hani and Mr Lesego Makhubela, whose participation demonstrates that leadership and healthy living go hand in hand. Their example should inspire more public servants and community members to embrace active lifestyles,” said the MEC.
MEC Maile added that he regularly enjoys walking as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and hopes to one day progress from walking to running.
“Every fitness journey begins with a single step. The achievements of Comrades runners remind us that consistency, discipline and self-belief can transform ordinary goals into extraordinary accomplishments,” said MEC Maile.
Quoting Olympic champion Caster Semenya, the MEC said: “The more you believe in yourself, the more you become unstoppable.
MEC Maile encouraged public servants and communities across Gauteng to embrace healthy lifestyles, join running clubs and inspire others to become physically active.
“Our runners have made Gauteng proud. They have demonstrated exceptional discipline, endurance and perseverance. We encourage more people to take up running, build healthy communities and become ambassadors for wellness and social cohesion. Looking ahead, we believe Gauteng has the talent, determination and depth to produce a future Comrades Marathon champion. As we celebrate the achievements of the 2026 race, we also set our sights on the landmark 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon in 2027,” concluded MEC Maile.
Media Enquiries:
Onwabile Lubhelwana
Spokesperson: MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Mobile: 071 531 4513
E-mail: Onwabile.Lubhelwana@gauteng.gov.za
Phaladi Seakgwe
Director Communications: Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation
Cell: 0790751673
Email: phaladi.seakgwe@gauteng.gov.za
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