Mazibuko to challenge for CGA President as Moloi steps down

Veteran administrator Thokozani Mazibuko has confirmed that he will stand for President at the upcoming Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Elections. Following his election as Athletics South Africa (ASA) President last May, James Moloi has held both the national and provincial presidency positions. Because the regional federation's constitution was unclear about whether or not someone could hold both seats simultaneously, Moloi decided to remain in office until the CGA Elections in March, where he is expected to step down.

"Oh yes I am standing for the presidential position," Mazibuko confirmed to #TheTopRunner. "A good number of clubs and individuals have asked me to avail myself for the position, therefore I can’t disappoint them. I can safely say I am ready to take CGA to higher limits and looking forward to takeover a well-oiled machine left by Mr. James Moloi," said the man who served under Moloi's leadership as an additional board member and the head of the Disciplinary Committee on the eleven member CGA Board.

Thokozani Mazibuko has confirmed that he will stand for the position of president at the upcoming CGA Elections. Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Athletics.

Having first come into the sport as a runner back in the mid 1980's during the dark days of Apartheid, Mazibuko says that's when he fell in love with running mainly because of its power as a social movement. " It is one of the most uniting sports in which you get to meet people from different back grounds. Athletics has also taught me to be disciplined and to live a healthy lifestyle. It is through Athletics I developed a love to change the lives of our youngsters," said the man from Soweto.

The Comrades Marathon finisher soon got involved in administration when he was roped in to help out with local events. "In 2006 I was then approached to be part of the management structures of the province in various portfolios including being part of the LOC for organizing big road races in the province," he explained.

As Moloi vacates the position, Mazibuko and whoever else decides to contest the position, will find a regional federation in need of resuscitation. Formerly the strongest province in South Africa producing many of the sport's Olympians and elite international performers, CGA has fallen behind the likes of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) and even Athletics Central North West (ACNW) in recent years. Mazibuko who also serves on ASA's Disciplinary Committee, admits that there is work to be done.

Current CGA President (holding microphone) is expected to step down in March where all eleven board positions will be contested. Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Athletics.

"You are 100% correct, there has been a slight decline in our performances. We need to go back to basics which is strengthening our development base working together with Clubs and coaches. We must also forge good relationships with local universities in our province in order to keep our talent in the province," he said sharing his vision.

Key to that will be attracting commercial partners to inject the financial muscle necessary to rollout these plans to develop more top runners within CGA's geographical limits. Mazibuko says that will be his first order of business should he win the election. "My vision will be to improve on some of the aspects such as attracting sponsors and having more athletes focused-programmes. This will increase our representation at the highest International stage such as the Olympic Games," he concluded.