Thokozani Mazibuko urges clubs to vote for leaders who can rebuild CGA

Mazibuko is contesting the presidency alongside Karabo Mabilo, Steven Khanyile, Brenda Marolen, Rio Matlhaku, Alain van Atcher, Seema Llale and Makgaba Manabile.

A former CGA board member and Soweto Marathon Trust board member, Mazibuko believes his experience places him in a strong position to lead the federation out of its current challenges.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) dissolved the CGA board in October last year and appointed Trevor Fredericks as administrator, following prolonged governance issues.

Mazibuko, a development coach and long-time pioneer of athletics in townships, says voters should look no further if they genuinely want change.

“I have done development work in Soweto and surrounding areas, extending to other provinces, and it was successful,” Mazibuko told SABC Sport. 

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“I have also been an administrator for many years, and I know which buttons to press to transform the sport. If given a chance, it is never too late to rescue the ship from sinking. I know CGA like the back of my hand.”

He warned clubs against voting “for the sake of voting”, saying a wrong decision could further damage one of South Africa’s leading athletics provinces.

“The first step is to unite the province and focus on development and looking after athletics,” he said. “There are many wounded people at CGA, and there is a lot of infighting. That is not what athletics or sport is about. Sport is meant to unite people. If you have the right leadership at the top, you won’t have squabbles at the bottom.”

While other candidates have already launched their manifestos, Mazibuko says he is relying on his years of administrative experience to convince voters.

“I am available. Use me, and I will get rid of all these negativities and focus on one thing only – athletics,” he said.