Swaneville runner inspires community with Comrades success

For Zama Mthembu, running has become far more than a sport. It is a testament to resilience, sacrifice and determination.

Born and raised in rural KZN, the 40-year-old now lives in Swaneville, where she balances life as a single mother of two, a domestic worker and a dedicated runner. She credits these responsibilities with shaping the resilience that has driven both her personal and athletic journey.

Zama’s running journey began in 2015 when she decided to improve her health and lose weight. What started as fun runs soon developed into a passion, leading her to road races and longer-distance events.

• Also read: Khosa Road Runners celebrate strong Comrades showing

A turning point came when she met Mawonga Madolo during a training run. He introduced her to Mogale City Athletics Club, which she joined in March 2022. The club provided an opportunity to learn from experienced runners and improve her performance while becoming part of a supportive running community.

Her dedication paid off when she became the first woman from the club to enter and complete the Comrades Marathon.

The achievement remains one of the proudest moments of her life and a significant milestone for the club.

Like many first-time Comrades runners, Zama experienced moments of doubt during her preparation for what is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races. However, encouragement from her coach, Eddie Thekiso, and support from fellow runners helped her stay focused on her goal.

Preparing for the race required months of discipline, including early morning training sessions, long-distance runs, qualifying races and regular club training. Balancing these demands with her responsibilities as a single mother proved to be one of her greatest challenges.

• Also read: Krugersdorp Road Runners shine at Comrades

On race day, Zama drew strength from the support of her community, which had rallied behind her as she prepared for the iconic event.

During the race, fatigue, cramps and knee pain tested her resolve, particularly in the latter stages. Despite the challenges, she persevered and crossed the finish line.

“I was emotional because I knew the sacrifices, hard work and determination that brought me there,” she said.

Receiving her Comrades medal was the reward for years of commitment and perseverance.

Beyond the personal achievement, Zama is proud of the impact her accomplishment has had on other women in the club. Since completing Comrades, she has seen growing interest among female runners who now believe they can achieve the same goal.

Looking back, she says she would place greater emphasis on recovery and injury prevention, having learned that success in running depends not only on training hard but also on taking care of one’s body.

Today, Zama defines success as more than medals and finish lines. For her, it means inspiring others, overcoming setbacks and proving that perseverance can take a person further than they ever imagined.

Her message to young women in Swaneville is simple: believe in yourself, stay consistent and never give up.

Through her journey from rural KZN to the Comrades finish line, Zama has shown that determination and hard work can inspire an entire community.