On Sunday, 09 June 2024, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) saw an outpouring of support and encouragement from its executive management team, staff and students, who turned out in full force to cheer on and motivate the 14 DUT athletes who were competing in the Comrades Marathon.
Amongst the DUT athletes running the Comrades Marathon was Mr Thabani Mhlongo, Senior Director of the Real Estate Management unit.
The 14 DUT athletes comprised of seven staff members namely, Mr Steven Mkhize, Dr Douglas Sotsaka, Mr Patrick Mhlongo, Mr Thabani Mhlongo, Mr Adelo Myambo, Ms Colleen Lotz and Mr Samuel Ntsanwisi. Three students, Mr Lindokuhle Manyoni, Ms Nqobile Mngadi and Mr Ngceba Kenisa and four alumni, Mr Senzo Mdladla, Mr Eric Mkhize, Ms Yenzi Olifant and Mr Craig Dunhill. From the list, there were three ladies and two athletes participated for the first time in the Comrades Marathon.
Mr Bongani Yengwa, Manager of the Sport Administration unit at DUT was among the team that gathered at the first point in Hillcrest to cheer for the runners and give them the essential items they needed to finish the race. This team waited patiently and in excitement for all the runners to pass through, cheering for them as they continued with the race heading to the second DUT support stand in Cato Ridge.
Mr Yengwa expressed his gratitude to all the runners who wore the DUT colours during the race, for flying the DUT flag. He admired their determination, hard work and dedication in completing the race and meeting the goals they had set for themselves.
A staff member who ran the Comrades Marathon for the first time under the DUT Athletic Club, Mr Steven Sibiya expressed his gratitude to the DUT for all the support he had received during the race.
He indicated that seeing the DUT team cheering for him in the two stands made him to push even harder to finish the race. He was proud of himself for being able to reach his goal of completing the race. within seven hours He was elated to share that he had finished the race at seven hours, 22 minutes and 39 seconds.
Amongst the executive management team spotted at the Cato Ridge stand was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane and Senior Director of Human Capital Services at DUT, Mr Mxolisi Msomi. They formed part of the large group of supporters consisting of various staff members from the different units within DUT and students from the various departments.
Dr Mthethwa played a vital role of tracking the runners and preparing the support team to cheer and support the runners as they headed to the Cato Ridge stand. For physical strength, the students from Chiropractic and Somatology were there to assist the runners with massages and the stretching techniques they needed to continue with the race.
DUT did not only show love and encouragement to its runners but the team also handed out essential items to the other athletes, as a way of supporting and encouraging them to finish the great race.
DUT was extremely proud of all its athletes who participated in the 2024 Comrades Marathon.
“We thank them for flying the DUT flag high and for living the DUT values and principles during this prestigious but gruelling race. Their pursuit of excellence, dedication to the cause and their commitment to achieving their goals was highly commendable. Much appreciation also goes out to the DUT support team for coming out in numbers to cheer on and to encourage the DUT athletes,” said Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT.
Pictured: The DUT support team at the Cato Ridge stand during the Comrades Marathon.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Simangele Zuma
