Comrades Marathon Legend Jetman Msuthu Passes Away, Remembered for 1992 Victory

• Comrades Marathon legend Jetman Msuthu has passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in South Africa
• Msuthu was a standout competitor in the early 1990s and claimed a major victory that marked a milestone in the race’s history
• Peers remembered him for his humility and dedication, with his achievements on the international stage and in the running community fondly recalled

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced the passing of former winner Jetman Msuthu.

Msuthu competed in the iconic race 14 times between 1988 and 2016, earning 10 gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze.

CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo expressed deep sadness at Msuthu’s passing, describing him as part of a generation of athletes who ran the marathon purely out of passion, dedication, and determination, at a time when prize money was non-existent.

The organisation highlighted that Msuthu, who won the race in 1992, was the second person of colour after the late Sam Tshabalala to be crowned champion.

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On behalf of the CMA Board, staff, ROC, sponsors, suppliers, and members, the association conveyed condolences to Msuthu’s family and the broader running community.

CMA race director Rowyn James Ngcobo recalled meeting Msuthu in 2022 when he wore his winner’s jacket for the first time. Ngcobo described him as humble and down to earth, adding that he would be deeply missed by both his family and the running fraternity.

See the tweet below regarding his passing away:

From breakthrough to victory

Msuthu grew up in the Eastern Cape and began running at 18. His breakthrough year came in 1992, when he initially thought he had finished fourth, only to be corrected by journalists.

His achievement became even more significant when the eventual winner, Charl Mattheus, tested positive for a banned substance and was stripped of the title, making Msuthu the official winner.

In 1993, Msuthu represented South Africa at the 100km World Championships in Belgium, winning gold alongside three other South African athletes.

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Fond memories from fellow runners

Msuthu was fondly remembered by his peers. Nine-time Comrades champion Bruce Fordyce recalled his humility and good humour, noting how he laughed when teased about not carrying the Winner’s Baton in 1992, but was visibly moved when photographed with it during the CMA’s Centenary Celebration Run in 2021.

Former rival and 1991 Comrades winner Nick Bester expressed deep sadness at Msuthu’s passing, highlighting their shared gold-medal victory at the 1993 World 100km Championships. Bester extended condolences to Msuthu’s family, saying he would be greatly missedThe .

2025 event overshadowed by a lost and found runner

This year’s edition of the race, held in June, was overshadowed by the disappearance of runner Moira Harding from Cape Town.

The 54-year-old completed the gruelling ultra-marathon but failed to reunite with friends or family afterwards, prompting an overnight search.

Authorities eventually found Harding near the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) base on Point Road in central Durban. She was in critical condition and was swiftly airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

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Late kite surfer remembered by family

Briefly News previously reported that dozens of kite surfers and residents gathered at Small Bay in Bloubergstrand last Sunday, 14 September 2025, to pay tribute to Graham Howes.

Howes, 38, went missing on 7 September after heading out alone for a kite surfing session from Eden on the Bay. When he did not return by late afternoon, his family reported him missing.

His kite and board were found the next morning, and later that day, a private yacht assisting in the search recovered his body between Bloubergstrand and Dassen Island.

Source: Briefly News