Athletics SA considers offering Comrades Marathon an olive branch
While the ASA board has recommended that the CMA be affiliated directly to the national federation, ASA is not willing to alienate KZNA.
The Athletics South Africa (ASA) board has reversed its previous stance, signaling a potential reconciliation with the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA). The decision comes after a protracted dispute between KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) and the CMA, leading to the latter's decision to sever ties with governing athletics organizations.
In a letter to ASA members, Terrence Magogodela, the acting chief executive of ASA, stated that the board had recommended the CMA's request for direct affiliation be accepted. Magogodela emphasized the board's commitment to harmonizing and maintaining relationships to advance the sport nationally. The Comrades Marathon, known for its national and international appeal, would retain its status as an independent event in 2027.
While KZNA would continue to have oversight and a financial stake in the race's revenue, the issue of race levies paid to the provincial body remains contentious. ASA will address the matter during a special general meeting scheduled for the following Monday. KZNA's acting president, Khulezweni Buthelezi, announced plans for ASA and KZNA representatives to meet with CMA members in an effort to resolve the ongoing dispute.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
