The North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Department of Education took him through the streets of Mahikeng yesterday before travelling to his home of Magogoe Koikoi village and to his former school, Ramaine A Phetlhu. Hundreds of fans, community members, scholars, and athletes cheered Mothibi’s triumph as he made his return to his home town of Mahikeng on Wednesday, June 12. 

The two departments organised the second leg of the ceremony to welcome Mothibi, who was accompanied by Joseph Manyedi from Taung who obtained fifth position, and other athletes who participated at the 94th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

Central South Africa raised its flag high when Mothibi won the men’s race with the time of 5:31:33, ahead of last year's winner, Bongmusa Mthembu, while the Free State native, Gerda Steyn, also bagged the top spot for women, smashing the up-run record in the process with the time of 5:58:53. 

The event was attended by the DSAC MEC, Galebekwe Tlhapi, the Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, and Social Development MEC, Boitumelo Moiloa. Earlier, Premier Job Mokgoro also joined many other South Africans in congratulating Mothibi for his spectacular performance in the highly competitive race.

“The Comrades Marathon is about endurance, determination, and perseverance. I want to salute all the runners, especially Edward Mothibi, who conquered the ultimate human race. He is an inspiration to all of us and a role model for young people. 

He has indeed made the country and the North West province proud.” Premier Mokgoro also congratulated other runners from North West province for their splendid performances. “Let me also salute Joseph Manyedi from Takaneng, Taung, for finishing in the fifth position, and Gordon Lesetedi from Sekhing, Taung, for obtaining a ninth position at the 94th edition of the Comrades Marathon, Mokgoro concluded.

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