A total of 26 Durban University of Technology (DUT) staff, students and alumni are ready to run in the Ultimate Human Race, the 2025 Comrades Marathon, taking place this coming Sunday, 08 June 2025, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

The DUT Employee Wellness and the Sport Administration unit hosted a Comrades Marathon Send-off Luncheon known as the “Pasta Party” to wish the best of luck to all DUT athletes who will be running the anticipated Comrades Marathon. This luncheon themed: Carbo Loading Pasta Power Celebration served as a motivational and a celebratory occasion for all of the esteemed DUT Comrades Marathon athletes. It was held at the Rendezvous Restaurant, Steve Biko campus in Durban on Monday, 02 June 2025.

Amongst the 26 DUT athletes are two members of executive management, the Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr Siboniso Shabalala and the newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, Professor Vusi Gumede. In addition to the two executives, there are 13 other staff members who will be running namely, Mr Thabani Mhlongo, Mr Steven Mkhize, Mr Samuel Ntsanwisi, Mr Sandile Ngema, Ms Collen Lotz, Mr Patrick Mhlongo, Mr Sibusiso Sotsaka, Mr Lindokuhle Manyoni, Mr Lungelo Zulu, Mr Wesley Ngcobo, Ms Lauren Snell-Hillermann, Mr Mthobisi Ntuli and Mr Nkeka Tseole. Three students, Ms Nqobile Mngadi, Mr Ngceba Kenisa and Ms Nonhlanhla Siyaya and eight alumni, Mr Craig Denhill, Ms Yenzi Olifant, Mr Sibusiso Mdladla, Mr Xolani Mkhize, Mr Khayelihle Ngubane, Mr Katlego Molumsi, Mr Skhumbuzo Mthembu and Mr Bandile Ndaba.

The programme director was the DUT Midlands Sport Officer, Mr Qhawe Mncwabe who began by congratulating all the athletes, some who will be running for the first time, for qualifying to run in the world’s largest and older ultramarathon race of approximately 89 kilometres with 24 000 estimated runners from across the globe.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of People and Operations at DUT, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa delivered the welcome remarks, sharing her excitement on the increase of the number of DUT athletes running the Comrades Marathon this year. She mentioned that DUT was represented by 17 athletes last year, increasing the number to 26 this year. Dr Mthethwa referred to the Comrades Marathon as an unmatched race.

“All of you have done the mileage, you have prepared in your different forms and you have done the necessary to qualify for the race. It is unmatched because of the distance of the race, the temperature changes and because it is more than just your feet or the food you have eaten that will take you to the finish line. In the end it is about your mental resilience, over and above your fitness and food. You have to make sure that your energy and breathing levels are on point. For me it’s simply about you finishing and enjoying the race. Even if you don’t finish, it is about you doing your best,” shared Dr Mthethwa, who thanked the athletes for flying the DUT flag high.

Sharing the same sentiments, Ms S’thembile Mjadu, Interim Director of Student Services and Development at DUT. She delivered a powerful presentation titled: The Mind of a Champion: Running with Resilience, Purpose and Power. She described the Comrades Marathon as not just a test of legs or lungs but a test of soul, strength and spirit.

“Every one of you has a why? Ask yourself why did you start this journey? Your purpose will overpower your pain. It will make the suffering count, In moment of doubt, return to your why, it will carry you when your legs would not,” advised Ms Mjadu.

Introducing all the athletes was Mr Thabani Mhlongo, Senior Director of Real Estate Management at DUT, who is also a seasoned Comrades Marathon runner. He motivated the athletes to believe in the training they have done to carry them through to the finish since it got them this far. Each athlete took home a DUT gift bag filled with all the essential items they might need for the race. They were also treated to sufficient carb-rich foods to help maximise their source of stored energy for the race day. Ms Ayanda Gwala from Best Med Medical Aid came bearing gifts for the athletes and wished them well for the race.

A social runner and DUT alumna, Ms Bongiwe Ndlela shared her congratulatory remarks to all the athletes, sharing how they serve as a motivation to her who wishes to run the Comrades Marathon in the future. She commended their resilience and commitment to running the Comrades Marathon.

In closing, the DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane assured the athletes that the DUT support team, consisting of executive management, staff and students will be stationed at five points among the Comrades Marathon to cheer and provide support to them, during the race. The first stations are Umlaas Road near Camperdown, Ntshangwe (Inchanga), Hillcrest, Pinetown and Berea near the DUT gate 8.

Pictured: The DUT staff, students and alumni who will be running in the 2025 Comrades Marathon.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.

Simangele Zuma