ASA to consult minister for guidance on Soweto Marathon as James Moloi remains suspended

Speaking to the media, Mathane revealed that ASA would consult the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for guidance on how to deal with the delayed payment of Soweto Marathon runners, who have still not been paid months after the race was held on 29 November 2025.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie previously promised that the government would assist the affected athletes, and Mathane said ASA, together with Central Gauteng Athletics and Soweto marathon clubs, would continue engaging with the department on the matter.

"My response is very simple. That's why I said we are going to engage with the government to give them the guidance. We are also going to engage with the CGA. Remember, the Soweto Marathon falls within the magisterial district of CGA, and we cannot deviate from what they are doing. The CGA knows the rules and regulations," said Mathane

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"What we are going to do is sit the government down to say that they are coming up with is a good inititiave. There are federstion processes and procedures that need to be followed. We are here to support everything the governement comes up with."

Mathane, who also serves as president of Athletics Gauteng North, dismissed reports that Moloi had been reinstated to his position in March. 

He insisted that the ASA president remains suspended until further notice.

Mathane, now serving his third term as AGN president while also holding a leadership role at ASA, explained that the disciplinary committee which recommended Moloi’s return did not have the authority to make a final decision.

According to Mathane, the committee’s findings were only recommendations and not binding rulings, adding that Moloi’s suspension still stands in a letter seen by SABC Sport.

Mathane also said he was unaware of any court action being taken against ASA over Moloi’s suspension by disciplinary committee chairperson Selby Thabethe.

He said ASA would treat the reports as rumours unless official court papers were served to the federation.

Mathane, who was elected ASA vice-president in May last year, also spoke about the federation’s new broadcasting agreement with the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

He said the deal would ensure athletics continues to be shown on free-to-air television and help grow the sport across the country.