The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) has called on the Comrades Marathon Association to pay winners at least one million rand because “running 90km is dangerous”.
The political party based in the North West said on Friday: “It’s concerning that after running 90 km, at great risk the winner of the marathon gets a lowly R260 000 which F4SD has since learned is not entirely in cash form.”
While condemning the “underpayment of Athletes”, the F4SD said it wishes to congratulate Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi for winning first prize and second prize respectively at the 95th edition of the Comrades Marathon held in Kwazulu-Natal.
“Considering the health risks that come with the race, the winner deserves much more, at least not under a million rand,” said Mbahare Kekana F4SD President.
“That the event was a money spinner and not sharing with the athletes was simply unacceptable.
“The F4SD commends Dijana’s employer for giving him a R100 000 gift but believes the star should not have to live on handouts.”
The F4SD said it will write to the sports ministry and sporting codes to demand an end to the exploitation.
“The party wishes to send heartfelt condolences to the families of the two athletes who died of complications resulting from their participation in the marathon and send well wishes to those who are still being treated in hospital,” said Kekana.
