The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) elections are around the corner, giving you the opportunity to shape the future of the iconic race. These elections will be held on Saturday, 30th November 2024, and offer a vital chance for members to select the leadership team that will guide the Comrades Marathon into its next era.
With seven out of nine CMA Board positions up for grabs, this is a unique opportunity to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives. As the marathon approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, there is a renewed emphasis on ensuring it maintains global recognition while remaining true to its South African heritage.
Key Election Information
Annual General Meeting (AGM):
- Date: Saturday, 30th November 2024
- Venue: Carter High School, Multipurpose Centre
- Address: 22 Carter Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg
- Time: 09H00 for 10H00
Members not able to be in Pietermartizburg for the AGM, will be allowed to present online, and an online voting process will also be available to ensure ALL members with a valid CMA membership will be able to vote.
Please note that if your membership payment was paid after 30 June 2024, you will not be eligible to vote at the 2024 AGM.
Meet the Board Candidates
The following candidates bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. We believe it is important to make an informed decision and as such we have compiled a list of all candidates up for election and their qualifications as well as their actual Comrades Marathon Finishes.
Leslie Burnard: is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in financial management. As a former CMA Vice Chair and Chair of its Finance Committee, he managed CMA’s finances during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, guiding them back to stability and surplus. A Life Member of Collegians Harriers and former Chair and Race Organizer, his areas of expertise include HR, strategic planning, and risk management.
Two-time Comrades finisher
Grahame Gertsch: has a varied background in law, education, and business. A retired legal professional, he has served as a prosecutor, advocate, law professor, and Dean of the Law Faculty at Vista University. Now an entrepreneur and restaurateur, Grahame has been Chairman and Race Director of Phobians Athletic Club, in Tshwane, for eight years. His expertise includes commercial and sports law, event management, and community engagement
Four-time Comrades finisher
Alan Gray: is a retired electrical engineer with significant experience in telecommunications and business management across Africa and Asia. He has held senior roles, including KZN Regional Manager for MTN and Group Director of Celtel International, overseeing operations in multiple countries. His expertise includes HR, industrial relations, accounting, and race organization.
Green Number holder (7010) with 12 Comrades medals
Mark Leathers: is an attorney with over 20 years of experience working with large corporate clients. His areas of focus include corporate governance, commercial law, dispute resolution, and business security. Known for his energetic and practical approach
One Comrades medal
Brenda Marolen: brings over three decades of experience in HR, business operations, corporate social investment, and finance. She has also been involved in athletics administration as a club founder, secretary, and chairperson. Brenda has worked with organizations such as SA Express Airways and Thebe Investments, and she has a strong interest in athlete development and community upliftment.
Willie Mtolo: is a renowned runner with a long and distinguished career. A multiple gold medalist and former New York Marathon winner, he has also represented South Africa as a national marathon champion. Willie’s experience extends to coaching, farming, and founding the Willie Mtolo Training Academy, where he supports athletes from all backgrounds.
Eight-time Comrades finisher and Green Number holder (1119)
Mqondisi Ngcobo: is the immediate past CMA Chairperson with a background in public administration. Currently a Senior Manager in the KZN Legislature, he has nearly two decades of experience in leadership roles. Mqondisi has also worked as a Deputy Director at Statistics South Africa and is well-regarded for his organizational and administrative skills.
Six-time Comrades finisher
Carel Nolte: is the Chief Marketing Officer of EasyEquities and founder of CN&CO Brand Consultancy. He has been recognized for his contributions to charity fundraising at the Comrades Marathon and co-founded the Born2Run Athletic Club. Carel’s expertise includes HR, public relations, fundraising, and financial services.
Three-time Comrades finisher
Rory Steyn: has a distinguished career in security and event management. Formerly the team leader of Nelson Mandela’s personal protection unit, he co-founded NSA Global Security Consultants and has worked on the security planning for major global events, including the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
Green Number holder (42743) with 12 Comrades medals
Patricia Freeman: has 35 years of experience in corporate banking, specializing in financial admin, sales, marketing, and consulting. She’s currently the Club Manager at Stella Sports Club and has been involved in various volunteer roles, including at uShaka Sea World and Albert Luthuli Hospital. Patricia has served on the CMA Board since 2019 and has been a member since 2008. She’s also chaired the CSI committee and volunteered at the Comrades Expo.
30 Comrades Marathons and a Triple Green Number (6883).
Busani Ndlovu: a qualified accountant with a BCompt Honours in Accounting. He is currently running a private consulting business, which he started in May 2024. Busani has previously served as the CEO of Inzalo, a subsidiary of a listed entity, and as CFO at KZN Cogta and uMgungundlovu District Municipality for 7 and 8 years, respectively. A CMA member since 2022.
Three-times Comrades finisher
Solomon Mbatha is a retired Head Master, teacher, theologian, and financial manager, with experience as a trainer and curriculum facilitator in the Department of Education. He has a long history with the Comrades Marathon, serving as a member of the Comrades Marathon Council, club administrator, and volunteer on the road. Solomon has been an active CMA member since 2016, regularly attending council meetings and volunteering as a marshal.
Philemon Bhekumuzi Nkosi: has over 20 years of experience in the agro-processing sector, including roles as General Manager. He completed governance training through the King IV Code at IoDSA and became a Certified Director in 2023. He has been a CMA member since June 2024 and Deputy Chairperson of Chillie Running Club’s KZN branch. He holds a BTech in Chemical Engineering, an MBA from Henley Business School, and additional certifications in management and project management from UNISA.
Ran his first Comrades Marathon in 2022 and has completed three consecutive races since, aiming for his Green Number.
Grant Matkovich: is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 21 years of private practice experience in Durban and a lecturer in biomechanics at Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Health Sciences. A CMA member for 12 years, Grant has volunteered on the ROC for 10 years as the International Hospitality Portfolio Convener. He has also assisted in medical waiting, start logistics, and Green Number Club registration. He has served on the CMA Charities Committee for 4 years and is a current CMA-appointed Board member. Grant is the Chairman of Stella Athletic Club and serves on the Stella Royal Race Committee. He participated in the 2013 Unogwaja Challenge, raising over R500,000 for Comrades charities, and ran for Community Chest in 2023.
Eleven-times Comrades Marathons and Green Number (52246).
Make Your Voice Count
The CMA Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Comrades Marathon. By voting, you have the power to influence decisions that will impact the event’s growth, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the legacy of The Ultimate Human Race. Cast your vote and take part in shaping the next chapter of this historic race. Together, we can ensure that the Comrades Marathon continues to inspire runners and fans for generations to come!
We are awaiting feedback on how the Electronic Voting will work, as soon as this information has been available to us we will release so all members can be prepared come voting day.