Sam Tshabalala, First African Comrades Marathon winner to be laid to rest

South Africans have joined together in paying tribute to the late legendary runner Sam Tshabalala, fondly remembered as the first African man to win the Comrades in 1989.

Tshabalala passed away on Sunday evening, October 2, at 65 years of age. His funeral is expected to take place on Saturday, October 8.

Sam was a true inspiration to those that followed him. His record of 13 finishes comprising of one gold and twelve silver medals justified the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) decision to reward him with the Platinum Medal Award in 1998 and the Comrades Winners jacket in 2019.

The CMA board shared its condolences to Tshabalala’s family and fans.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said, “We live in gratitude to a Comrades Winner, Hero and Legend. What Mr Tshabalala did for ultra-running and our generation of athletes is part and parcel of our road-running history and great South African heritage. He showed us how to be courageous, great and at the same time humble and real.”

The aassociation also described the late, great Tshabalala as a trailblazer and pioneer who lived out the noble attributes of the Ultimate Human Race.

“On behalf of the ASA Board and entire Athletics Family, I convey our deepest condolences to his wife Julia, four sons, three daughters, his athletes, friends and Zamdela community. He was a lovable person who will be sorely missed,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa (ASA).

The 1989 Comrades Marathon was a milestone in South Africa’s sporting history as Tshabalala was joined by Willie Mtolo who came in second place in the long distance race.

During apartheid, many African people were not allowed to participate in sporting events like the Comrades. When the ban was lifted, their victory was an inspiration for a multitude of runners to participate.

This win also broke Bruce Fordycerun’s winning streak of an unprecedented eight consecutive wins from 1981 to 1988.

“We ran a great race in 1989 and remained very good friends since then. We had a lot to talk about every time that we met. I know that he was involved in assisting youngsters in his village with their running. That was Sam for you – helpful, encouraging, motivating and a true inspiration. I will always remember him,” said Mtolo.

He has paved the way for at least 13 African runners to win the oldest marathon in the world and has inspired and taught many long distance running athletes in his lifetime.

Tshabalala, also popularly known as Mshengu which is his clan name, resided in Zamdela township in Sasolburg (Free State), where he continued to share his time in uplifting aspiring athletes in his community.

Apart from a foundation in his honor, Tshabalala has also received multiple awards, including a Lifetime Achiever from the Sport Industry Awards.

Sam is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

May his soul rest in eternal Peace. Lala ngoxolo Mshengu