Unisa's Athletics Club has celebrated the achievements of 36 staff members and students who represented the university at the 99th Comrades Marathon, recognising their commitment, discipline and perseverance in one of the country’s most demanding endurance races. 

The recognition dinner, held at Unisa's Muckleneuk Campus on 10 November 2026, brought together the athletes, university representatives and guests to reflect on their participation and the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle beyond the finish line. Welcoming guests on behalf of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, who was unable to attend because of other institutional commitments, was Prof Mpho Ngoepe, Vice-Principal: Teaching and Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support. 

Prof Mpho Ngoepe receives his certificate during the recognition dinner hosted by Unisa's Athletics Club.

A runner himself and a member of the Athletics Club, Prof Ngoepe congratulated the athletes and recalled the university's send-off ahead of the race. "A few months ago, we sent you off to compete in the Comrades Marathon, and tonight we are celebrating you," he said. He reminded the runners that completing an endurance race was the culmination of months of preparation, discipline and personal commitment. "The real marathon is never the race, but the preparation leading up to it." 

Reflecting on the demands of the Comrades Marathon, Ngoepe spoke about the mental strength and perseverance required to negotiate some of the race's toughest sections. Referring to challenging climbs such as Cowies Hill, Fields Hill and Botha's Hill, he highlighted how the event tests athletes both physically and mentally. He encouraged the runners to remain determined when fatigue sets in and the finish line seems far away, reminding them that achievement often comes through overcoming difficult moments.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Dhavina Naidoo, a medical doctor specialising in sports and exercise medicine and a team doctor for the Springboks. Speaking under the theme "Beyond the finish line: preventing injury, recovering well and staying active for life", Naidoo encouraged athletes to listen to their bodies, take recovery seriously and make their long-term health a priority. She emphasised the importance of increasing training distances gradually, incorporating strength exercises, getting sufficient sleep and allowing the body adequate time to recover. She also cautioned against treating persistent pain as a normal part of running, advising athletes to seek medical attention when discomfort worsens, causes swelling or affects their movement. "My job is to keep you guys doing what you love to do," she said, encouraging runners to view medical practitioners and physiotherapists as partners in their sporting journeys.

Her message highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach to endurance sport, where preparation, medical guidance and recovery are as important as performance on race day. Risenga Masingi, representing the Department of Human Resources, congratulated the runners on their achievements and participation in international competitions. He reaffirmed the department's commitment to staff well-being and encouraged more colleagues to become involved in athletics. Athletics Club chairperson Morgan Mashweu also called on more members of the university community, particularly women, to join the club and represent Unisa at major distance-running events. 

Morgan Mashweu, Chairperson of the Unisa Athletics Club, addresses guests on behalf of the club during the recognition dinner.

"We encourage everyone to join, especially ladies," he said, adding that the club actively recruits members from across the university. Mashweu also invited the Unisa community and members of the public to participate in the club's fun run scheduled for 26 November 2026. The club's work contributes to a broader culture of physical activity, social connection and personal well-being within the university. It also supports Unisa's commitment to creating opportunities for participation beyond the formal academic environment.

Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, Acting Executive Director of the Department of Institutional Advancement, delivered a message of support and congratulated the athletes on completing the 2026 Comrades Marathon. "It is very important that we encourage people, staff of Unisa, to participate in the Comrades Marathon," he said. Senokoane presented certificates to the Comrades finishers in recognition of their achievement. He also expressed the university's anticipation of next year's race, which will mark the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

Dorah Lebepe receives her certificate in recognition of completing the 2026 Comrades Marathon.

Among those recognised was Dorah Lebepe, one of two women from the club who participated in this year's race. She completed the 85.777km course in 10:35:38, earning a bronze medal. Lebepe's running journey began in 2021 after she watched other runners preparing for the 2022 Comrades Marathon. She started with shorter distances, gradually building her endurance and working towards qualifying for the event. She completed her first Comrades Marathon in 2023. Since then, running has become an important part of her life. She said it had encouraged her to maintain an active lifestyle, make healthier food choices and manage stress.  

"Running is part of my therapy. I am proud of myself; however, I wouldn’t have done it without the support of the club," she said. Lebepe encouraged other women who are considering taking up running not to be intimidated by the distances or the time commitment. Instead, she advised them to start with what they could manage. "Even in the morning, you can exercise for 20 minutes, as long as you can move your body." 

The evening also paid tribute to Kaona Manamela, a former club member and four-time Comrades Marathon silver medallist. Manamela's record of finishing among the race's top 100 runners in four consecutive years remains a notable achievement in the club's history. The recognition dinner reflected the value of sport and physical activity in supporting healthier, more connected university communities. The Athletics Club provides an avenue for staff and students to pursue personal fitness goals, develop discipline and build relationships through shared interests. 

This work has a clear connection to Unisa's Catalytic Niche Area 10: Student Support and Co-Curricular Activities, particularly in promoting participation, personal development and activities that complement the university's academic mission. While the event also recognised staff achievements, the club's activities create opportunities for members of the wider university community to engage beyond their formal academic and professional responsibilities. The initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which promotes healthy lives and well-being for people of all ages. By encouraging regular physical activity, responsible training and access to appropriate medical support, the club contributes to a culture of health and preventative well-being. 

At a broader level, the emphasis on healthy and active communities reflects the objectives of the African Union's Agenda 2063, particularly its vision of a prosperous Africa whose citizens enjoy a high standard of living and quality of life. It also aligns with South Africa's National Development Plan Vision 2030, which recognises the importance of health, well-being and social participation in building a capable and inclusive society. For Unisa, sustaining this culture requires more than celebrating achievements after major events. It also means encouraging participation, supporting safe training practices and recognising the contribution that sport makes to individual and collective well-being. 

The university's Athletics Club continues to provide a platform for that engagement, while the achievements of its Comrades runners offer encouragement to colleagues and students who may be considering taking up running. 

*By Noxolo Miya, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement | Photography: Shooheima Champion, Unisa Multimedia Centre