DSD’S WANDA NTSOANE PUSHES LIMITS IN 2025 COMRADES MARATHON

By Precious Mupenzi.

• For Department of Social Development employee, Wanda Ntsoane, the Comrades Marathon holds a special place, describing his first run as “magical”.
• ⁠The holder of a green number for completing 10 races, Wanda is no longer simply chasing a finish line; he’s chasing the joy, freedom, and grit that have fuelled his journey from a novice to a veteran.
• ⁠Running, Wanda says, is a beautiful way to bring families together; it’s not just about physical fitness, it strengthens the mind, calms the spirit, and builds resilience.

There’s something poetic about the rhythm of pounding feet before dawn, the quiet hum of discipline, and the roar of a crowd along KwaZulu-Natal’s winding roads. For Wanda Ntsoane, a spirited runner and dedicated employee at the Department of Social Development, this rhythm has become second nature, as vital as breath itself.

Come sunrise on Comrades Marathon Day, 8 June 2025, Wanda won’t just be chasing a finish line, he’ll be chasing the joy, freedom, and sheer grit that have fuelled his journey from a hesitant beginner to a green number holder.

Ten medals later, he’s not slowing down; he’s starting all over again, with more fire in his step than ever before.

Wanda’s love affair with running began back in 2011 in Gauteng.

“A friend pulled me into one of their weekly runs,” he recalls. “I was a bit on the heavier side, so I thought, why not? That single decision changed my life.”

What began as a fitness goal soon became a passion. Two years later, he found himself standing at the start line of the world’s most famous ultra-marathon, nervous, thrilled, and ready to test his limits.

“My first Comrades was an uphill battle – literally,” he laughs, referring to the 2013 up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

“I had dreamed about this race, and when it finally happened, I was overwhelmed. It was magical.”

Fast forward to 2025, and Wanda now proudly owns a coveted green number, awarded to runners who’ve completed 10 Comrades Marathons.

But this milestone isn’t a finish line, it’s a new beginning. “Having the green number feels like I’m starting all over again, but this time with experience, confidence, and a lot more courage.”

Training for a race of this magnitude is no walk in the park. The 2025 race covers 89km.

Wanda’s weekends begin before sunrise, often at 4:00 am, with long runs stretching between 21km and 50km.

Weekdays aren’t spared either. After a full day at the office, he hits the road for another 16km. “It takes mental strength. You’re tired, sometimes emotionally drained, but I’ve managed to hold it all together with a kind of graceful determination.”

He’s hoping to cross the finish line in under 8 hours and 30 minutes this year, a goal he feels is well within reach. “I’m feeling stronger than last year. If all goes well, I’ll be happy with that time.”

More than medals or personal bests, running has become his therapy. “It helps me release stress, disconnect from life’s pressures, and reset. Running teaches you discipline and commitment, two things that spill over into every other part of life.”

He’s quick to credit his family for their unwavering support. “They’ve been my anchor. My wife? She’s my biggest cheerleader. She’s always at the finish line, waiting with open arms. That alone keeps me going.”

The emotional and financial sacrifices of training aren’t lost on him, and he’s deeply grateful. “My family prays for me, supports me through every phase, and understands the demands of this journey. I don’t take that for granted.”

Wanda lights up when speaking about the people of KwaZulu-Natal. “Their energy is electric. From kids handing out sweets to gogos clapping from their yards, their support carries you. You never feel alone on that road.”

Reflecting on his journey, he admits he wishes he had started sooner.

“If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to run – just run. I’ve played other sports, but nothing lights me up like this.”

His advice to others is heartfelt and simple: “Running is a beautiful way to bring families together. It’s not just about physical fitness, it strengthens the mind, calms the spirit, and builds resilience. If you’re looking for a way to stay connected and healthy, lace up and start moving.”

As Wanda prepares to take on yet another Comrades Marathon, he does so not just as a runner, but as a symbol of quiet strength and dedication – a reminder that it’s never too late to chase a dream, and that every finish line is just the start of something greater.

“I run not just for me,” he says, “but for everyone who believes in me – and for the joy that keeps me coming back.”