COMRADES MARATHON ASSOCIATON CONDEMNS ALLEGATION OF RACISM WITHIN THE BOARD

The Board of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has been deeply disappointed and shocked to receive a report concerning the posting of overtly racist remarks by one of its members within a WhatsApp chat group formed by members of a Board sub-committee. Screenshots of these remarks were subsequently shared on social media platforms.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo has provided an assurance that the basis for, and context of, the remarks will be fully investigated by the CMA Board and appropriate action taken in due course.

The CMA Board met on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 to discuss the matter, whereafter it was resolved that:

1. The CMA Board condemns any form of racism, the existence and perpetuation of which is expressly contrary to the CMA’s founding principles and Constitution;
2. The Board member concerned has been asked to reflect on her comments, and the motivation therefore, and to provide an explanation and feedback to the Chairperson in due course; and
3. The Board member concerned has been asked to recuse herself from all Board discussions until such time as she has reflected on the implications of her message personally, professionally, and as a member of the CMA Board.

Ngcobo says, “The CMA Board condemns the conduct of the Board member, the content of the WhatsApp message and the motivation therefore, in the strongest possible terms. The Comrades Marathon is a race which serves to unite the people of South Africa and serves as an annual reminder of what is possible under our new democracy.”

“Having recently celebrated the inclusion of athletes of colour within the race for 50 years, a step which symbolised the race’s commitment to inclusivity and equality long before the election of a democratic and representative government in 1994, it is disappointing to see this kind of conduct creep into the organisation, particularly from a member of the Board who was elected to champion the best interests of the race and all its participants regardless of their colour, creed or nationality.”

Ngcobo adds, “The CMA remains committed to serving the best interests of all runners and to ensuring that there is no place for racism or any other form of discrimination within the race itself, its organisation or amongst its members.”