The Unisa Athletics Club recently hosted an official send-off breakfast for its members participating in the 2026 Comrades Marathon. Held on 11 June 2026 at Unisa's Muckleneuk Campus, the occasion highlighted the importance of sports participation for employees and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting employee wellness.

In his message, Prof Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, indicated that Unisa has a formidable team comprising 44 members: 36 runners and 8 support members. He lauded Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula’s passion for the project, highlighting her desire to see more staff members engaging in physical activities to improve their health.

Expounding on why Unisa supports the initiative, Magano said that the aspect of wellness remains central to the institution, because "employee wellness is fundamentally important in the delivery of the business of the university". Magano expressed Unisa’s desire for social cohesion in the workplace and applauded the club for its immense contributions towards achieving the university’s goal. Concluding his remarks, Magano emphasised the role of sports in fostering social cohesion and applauded the club for its positive contributions at Unisa.

Speaking at the send-off were, from left: Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Prof Solomon Magano, Shela Maluleka, Hendrick Mokganyetsi and Permission Thobejane

In extending her well wishes to the athletes, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Puleng LenkaBula, reaffirmed the Unisa Council’s support for the club, stating that some of its members will be present to receive the team at the competition.

She further noted the representation of the Unisa Management Committee in this year’s marathon through the participation of Prof Mpho Ngoepe, Acting Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation. The VC implored the runners to draw inspiration from Unisa’s achievements, saying, "As you run, you must know that you are running as number one in the country, because Unisa has been ranked number one in the production of master’s and doctoral degrees."

In addition, the VC pledged that Unisa will host its own marathon. She added: "As you run, you should also know that you will be creating a new anchor for the university, where our own Unisa marathon will be available." The VC also encouraged the athletes to embark on their journey with renewed energy. She cautioned, "As you run, remember that every step tells a story of commitment, courage, resilience and purpose. Run with confidence and pride, knowing that you are capable of far more than you realise," she exhorted. She also used this occasion to wish Bafana Bafana well in the World Cup.

Outlining the club’s background, Shela Maluleka, co-founder and former chairperson of Unisa Athletics Club, reflected on the challenges encountered upon founding the club in 2007/2008. He stated: "We started with nothing and without support and used our money to keep the club running."

Despite the challenges, Maluleka emphasised that what has carried the club to where it is today is the vision grounded in discipline, leadership, friendship and excellence. Continuing, Maluleka paid homage to the former members and leaders of the club for their unprecedented contributions. In addition, he reminded the current committee that "the world of sport is changing, and athletics clubs must also change with the times". He urged the leaders to embrace innovation to give the club a competitive edge and to build systems to ensure sustainability.

In offering words of encouragement to the team, Hendrick Mokganyetsi, a former South African Olympic athlete, stressed the importance of applying the core principles of athletics, including physical fitness, mental strength, endurance and discipline. He said that these practices could help the athletes to run many kilometres, stay focused when exhaustion sets in, and embrace pain and silence doubts. Lastly, he expressed his gratitude to the current Unisa executive management for their unwavering support in ensuring the club's continued success.

Speaking on behalf of the current executive committee of the club, Permission Thobejane, Deputy Chairperson of the Unisa Athletics Club, said that the send-off is a celebration of commitment, sacrifice, resilience, perseverance and, most importantly, an endorsement of ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things. Furthermore, she highlighted the increase in Unisa women's participation in the Comrades Marathon, from two in 2025 to four this year.

* By William Thubakgale and Victor Malatji, Department of Institutional Advancement

** Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre