Mpumalanga Marathon Winner Jobo Khathoane Still Waiting for R1 Million Prize Money
- South Africa’s top road race is under scrutiny after unexpected issues emerged following the 2024 event
- Authorities are now involved, with formal proceedings launched against those responsible for the race
- The next edition of the marathon is uncertain as the situation remains unresolved
The 2024 Mpumalanga Marathon, one of South Africa’s richest road races, is at the centre of controversy after the men’s winner, Lesotho’s Jobo Khatoane, has yet to receive his R1 million prize money.
Source: Getty Images
The race offered more than any other marathon in the country, surpassing even the Comrades Marathon payout won by Gerda Steyn, who received R870,000 in May.
The delay has led to a criminal case against the race director and raised concerns about the organisation of major sporting events in South Africa. The marathon, held in Mbombela in September 2024, offered R1 million to both the men’s and women’s winners, the largest payout in South African marathon history.
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Khatoane won the men’s race, while Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare claimed victory in the women’s event. Months after the race, neither winner has received their prize.
Khatoane has spoken about the financial and personal sacrifices he made while preparing for the marathon and the impact the non-payment has had on him and his family. He says he spent about R80 000 on training camps and dipped into family savings, and that nonpayment has hurt his career and plans.
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Athletics Mpumalanga’s response
Athletics Mpumalanga has opened a criminal case against the race director. Athletics South Africa is also involved and has removed the marathon from the provincial athletics fixture list until the prize money is paid.
The director, Caleb Lekhuleni, a former National Lottery employee, is facing criminal charges for failing to pay the athletes. Athletics Mpumalanga president Paul Bester confirmed the case, saying it was necessary because Lekhuleni had not come forward to settle the payments.
He added that the organisation was now waiting for the legal process to take its course and that he would provide detailed feedback to Athletics South Africa.
Bester noted that Lekhuleni had been offering excuses related to the South African Revenue Service but stressed that the matter had been formally reported and is under investigation. A case against Lekhuleni has reportedly been opened in Mbombela.
Lekhuleni was unreachable for comment, and this year’s event, scheduled for 29 November, remains uncertain until the prize money issue is resolved.
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How has Athletics South Africa reacted to the issue?
The President of Athletics South Africa, James Moloi, confirmed that the matter had been brought to their attention, and Athletics Mpumalanga had told them that a criminal case has been opened at the police against the race director.
"Mpumalanga athletics told us that they are taking them to court, and the matter is there. We have a case number and everything, so we can’t approve that [the marathon] while it is in court," said Moloi.
Source: Getty Images
Oldest Comrades Marathon finisher speaks out on lack of recognition
Briefly News previously reported that Marosi Johannes Mosehla from Ga-Mogashoa village in Limpopo made headlines by becoming the oldest person to finish the Comrades Marathon.
But despite his historic feat, Mosehla says he feels sidelined and disheartened by the event organisers.
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Source: Briefly News
