GAUTENG DSD EMPLOYEES CONQUER JOBURG’S TOUGHEST RACE

By Lawrence Mashabela

• The 2026 road-running season has got off to a healthy start for the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Athletic Club.
• Its members competed in Joburg’s toughest half-marathon in mid-February, with runner Zandile Nhlabathi thrilled with her time of 2:20.
• ⁠Future Kupa, who posted just over two hours for the race, challenged colleagues to join the club: “Remember, they say a healthy body produces a healthy mind.”

As part of the ongoing commitment to employee wellness, the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Athletic Club members tackled the Pirates 21km half-marathon – also known as Joburg’s Toughest Half.

On 16 February 2026, officials from the department joined thousands of runners at the 2026 Pirates 21km Marathon, held at Pirates Club in Greenside.

Deemed Joburg’s toughest race because of its multiple steep, uphill routes around Northcliff Hills, the half-marathon is one of the races used to prepare for major marathons such as the Two Oceans Marathon and the famous Comrades Marathon.

Among the participants was Zandile Nhlabathi from the Statutory B Unit in Johannesburg, who was extremely excited to have completed the 21km race in 2 hours and 20 minutes. She described the run as tough but enjoyable, as she was not competing with anyone; she simply kept challenging and motivating herself along the route.

“I am proud of myself for completing it in such a reasonable time, given that this is Joburg’s toughest race with a lot of uphill climbs,” Nhlabathi said. She credited consistent and smart training for her good performance.

It was a brutal test of endurance on the infamous Northcliff climb, where many admitted, “it’s all about the mind game” once you hit the hill. Yet they keep coming back because, as one runner put it, “we want to do hard things”.

“I have been a gym person and have done all sorts of activities, including spinning, but running is just a beautiful thing; it helps one stay fit while maintaining and improving mental well-being,” she added.

Nhlabathi joined the athletic club in early 2024 and has already participated in more than 18 races.

She urges all department members, especially fellow social workers, to join the club, adding that it is for their own well-being.

Another “top runner,” as they refer to themselves at the club, who was part of the race is Future Kupa from the Non-Profit Organisation Partnership and Finance Unit at Head Office, who completed the race in just over two hours.

“We conquered Joburg’s toughest; it was not as bad as expected. We took it at our own pace, and I still feel fresh.”

Kupa echoed similar sentiments, adding that every employee should make running a lifestyle choice because it helps one stay healthy and positive.

“It is not an easy thing to do, but trust me, once you start, you will enjoy it. This helps clear your mind, think positively, and boost your energy for everything, even during challenges,” Kupa said.

Kupa, who joined the club late last year, has already run four 21km races since January 2026. He said the aim is to build up his fitness before challenging bigger races.

“I want to make it my lifestyle. I train two or three times a week before the actual race, and this year my goal is to complete 10 21km races and maybe challenge two or three 42km races. Then I will know I am ready for next year’s Comrades Marathon,” he added.

“It’s tough, it’s fun, it’s enjoyable. I wish every employee could take up the challenge. Remember, they say a healthy body produces a healthy mind,” Kupa said.