Gauteng sports boss sets the record straight on Soweto Marathon prize money

Lottering confirmed that his department still has money from the Soweto Marathon fund dating back three years. 

However, he says Gauteng Sports MEC Lebogang Maile instructed them not to use the funds because the money belongs to the government and must be returned.

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) president Karabo Mabilo, who is currently on suspension, had previously told SABC Sport that they were considering using the funds to pay the outstanding prize money to athletes.

Lottering has now clarified the situation, insisting that CGA and Athletics South Africa (ASA) must find a way to settle the outstanding payments owed to the runners.

"It's a very sensitive issue. We had meetings with the clubs of the Soweto Marathon with regard to last year's event and the matter that was discussed was that the athletes did not receive their money. Now after a lot of deliberations the decision was taken that the CGA together with Athletics South Africa have to sit down in a meeting and discuss what are they going to do to try and pay the athletes their money," said Lottering

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"I must just correct the facts because everybody's saying that the Gauteng Sports Confederation got some money. Yes we did receive money from government that was three years ago's event and that money that is left over is government money which is specifically for government. We are not allowed to pay that money out to anybody else it's instruction from the MEC as well."

"So the MEC has instructed Central Gauteng Athletics and Athletics South Africa to get together because it's your responsibility. Last year's event was your responsibility to pay athletes. When we were in charge of the event three years ago all the athletes were paid.

So I don't know why people bring Gauteng Sports Confederation into the event, into this whole mess up which which has actually got nothing to do with us."

Lottering says he felt the need to set the record straight after CGA made claims about the funds held by his department. 

He questioned why the CGA and Soweto Marathon organisers failed to use the money generated through race entries to settle the outstanding prize money.

He maintains that although his department has funds, they were never meant to bail out the Soweto Marathon or resolve its financial problems.

Lottering has urged athletes, including outspoken road-running star Gerda Steyn, not to lose hope of ever receiving their outstanding prize money.

He says his office is working tirelessly with ASA and CGA to find a solution and ensure that the athletes finally get paid.