South Africa Celebrates Sporting Achievements with 2024 Comrades Marathon Victory

The Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Maropene Ramokgopa congratulated participants and organisers of the 2024 Comrades Marathon, an iconic endurance race held in KwaZulu-Natal.

South African runner Gerda Steyn clinched a historic third consecutive victory in the women’s category, while Pete Wiersma from the Netherlands triumphed in the men’s race.

The Minister highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting national unity through sport and its significant impact on boosting sports tourism in the country.

As South Africa commemorates 30 years of freedom, the country’s cultural and sports sectors continue to shine on the global stage, with artists like Kabza de Small, orchestral conductor Ofentse Pitse, and DJ Black Coffee representing the best of South African music internationally.

In the sports arena, tennis star Kgothatso Montjane made waves at the French Open, the Proteas Men are competing in the World T20 World Cup, and Bafana Bafana gears up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein.

The upcoming match in Bloemfontein marks a special occasion as Bafana Bafana returns to the Free State Stadium, where they secured a memorable victory against France during the 2010 FIFA Men's World Cup.

The Minister also highlighted the Youth Month celebrations, culminating in the Youth Day National Commemoration at Polokwane‘s Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, urging unity in diversity to strengthen democracy.

Emphasizing the importance of sports, arts, and culture in shaping national identity, Minister Ramokgopa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing these sectors to advance the socioeconomic gains of South Africa’s democracy.