Stan Itshegetseng blasts Gayton McKenzie as CGA express shock over marathon comments

Speaking to SABC Sport, Itshegetseng reacted angrily to McKenzie’s comments in the Sunday World, where the minister said government would step in, pay outstanding prize money, takeover the race, and even open a criminal case against last year’s organisers, who have since disappeared.

While acknowledging the minister’s willingness to assist athletes, Itshegetseng dismissed the idea of a takeover as unrealistic and reckless.

“The minister is high on something. He is smoking his socks,” said Itshegetseng. “He is talking nonsense. If he wants a fight, it will be a titanic one. Government cannot just take over the People’s Race.”

He insisted that such a move is legally impossible and would only happen “over his dead body,” urging the minister to engage properly with the Trust instead of making reckless public statements.

Itshegetseng also played down the absence of the race on the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) calendar, saying approval from the body is merely a formality.

“We don’t need CGA to stage the race. Approval is just courtesy,” he said.

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Meanwhile, CGA president Karabo Mabilo admitted they were shocked by the minister’s comments.

She said the federation has been working behind the scenes to resolve governance issues and ensure athletes are paid.

“We were taken aback,” said Mabilo. “We have been working overtime to find a solution. No one from government or Athletics South Africa has engaged us on this matter, so it came as a big surprise.”

Mabilo stressed that while CGA appreciates the minister’s willingness to help, the Soweto Marathon is not for sale and cannot simply be taken over by government.

"We welcome the support, but the process is not correct. There must be consultation with ASA and CGA. A Government takeover is not allowed and could be seen as interference,” she explained.

She warned that such actions could have serious consequences if escalated to World Athletics, potentially putting ASA at risk.

“We remain open to engaging government, but things must be done properly,” Mabilo added.

CGA says it will continue its efforts to secure funding and ensure athletes are paid, making it clear that the future of the Soweto Marathon will not be handed over.

“Unless the government calls us and say give us your banking details so that we can pay the athletes, we will continue to make efforts to pay the athletes. Next week we have a meeting with the NPC to find out how far are they with the process. We are in contact with them and they have not disappeared as reported in the media.

“We are surprised because no one has engaged with us,” she said. “Government should consult us on the process. We’ve worked too hard to let this be shut down or pushed aside. We have proposed a meeting with Soweto Marathon club structures, and we remain committed to restoring the race’s prestige. This cannot be handled carelessly.”

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and his team were not available for comment at the moment of publishing.