Karabo Mabilo eyes historic CGA presidency

Mabilo, who was elected deputy president four years ago, stepped in as acting president during the 18-month suspension of then president Steven Khanyile and has now put herself forward to contest the top position when CGA goes to the polls next year. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mabilo said becoming CGA president would be a proud moment for her, as she aims to promote unity, ensure a corruption-free administration and encourage greater participation of women in athletics leadership.

"It would mean a lot because people would have changed their minds and people don't look at men as the only people that are capable, they are looking at a woman that can take them forward but most importantly they're not focusing on Karabo being a woman but they focusing on Karabo being a capable leader,” Mabilo said.

“So, it will mean a great lot to have a lot more people trusting and believing in me. I'm very much positive about the fact that people will support me and it will open up a lot of doors for other women. 

“Let us give us these chances as women and trust me, it will be different, there won't be any news of corruption or any news of cat fights, we will work together."

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The eagerly anticipated elections will take place at Germiston Stadium on 24 January. 

Mabilo, who is also a social runner and a regular participant in the Absa Run Your City 10km series, reflected positively on her 18-month stint as acting CGA president. 

She believes she left the province in a stable position, having improved governance, saved costs and secured sponsorships—progress she hopes to build on if elected.

"The 18 months that I was the acting president of GCA, it was extremely, extremely calm. It was successful, I can proudly say that in the 18 months we had a stable board, we had a stable constituency in terms of club reporting,” she added.

“Our finances, I left that office with a good profitable income of over R2.6 million, with acceptable cash of over R6 million. 

“I know for a fact that we did well, I had a very good working relationship with the board, with the GM as well and I hope that we can, wherever we left off we can actually run from there and most importantly as much as there's misunderstandings. “I know for a fact that a lot of people were very happy with the leadership at the helm at the time."