Lebogang Maile to meet CGA and Soweto running clubs over marathon crisis

Maile, who returned to the Sports, Arts and Culture portfolio on 1 April after replacing Matome Chiloane, previously told SABC Sport that he wanted to hear directly from all parties before commenting on the long-running dispute.

The MEC has now confirmed that the meeting will take place in Soweto on Saturday, with the future of the iconic race at the top of the agenda

"I am meeting with the Soweto running clubs on Saturday because we are interested in finding a solution to the Soweto Marathon challenges. We are not happy and are extremely concerned as the provincial government because these problems keep happening. We need to understand what the real issues are and get to the bottom of them."

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One of the key issues expected to be discussed is the unpaid prize money from the 2025 Soweto Marathon, which was held on 29 November.

Nearly eight months later, the top 10 finishers are still waiting to receive their winnings.

The race organisers, a non-profit company, acknowledged to SABC Sport in January that the athletes had not been paid, but have yet to issue a further public statement on the matter.

Last week, Central Gauteng Athletics said it was working behind the scenes to ensure the affected runners eventually receive their prize money.

Maile admitted he is still waiting for a full briefing on the matter but stressed that preserving the Soweto Marathon is a priority for the provincial government.

"I have not yet been properly briefed about the prize money. I only know there are many challenges and that the race might not take place this year. I want to understand these issues in an official meeting. We must deal with those who are harming the future of the marathon because this race belongs to the people of Soweto. It is part of our heritage, and we have to protect it. That is why we are meeting with CGA and the Soweto running clubs to find solutions."