Danushca van Zijl, the widow of late runner Antonie van Zijl, will join the running community at Mbombela Stadium tomorrow for a memorial service and procession.

Antonie passed away in Mbombela on Saturday while he and Danushca were participating in the Tswelopele Kaapsehoop 4-in-1 Marathon.

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In a show of solidarity, Tswelopele Funerals has offered full funeral services free of charge.

The undertaking was confirmed during a meeting held at 13:30 today by members of the Psychosocial Support Task Team.

Tswelopele will lead the procession with the original 21.1km lead vehicle from Saturday’s marathon. iSecure will accompany and guide the gathering along the route.

Memorial service details

• Date: Wednesday, November 11 2026
• Time: 05:00
• Venue: Mbombela Stadium

Members of the public and the running community are encouraged to bring a flower to lay in Antonie’s honour.
Procession to trace final steps

According to Nelspruit Marathon Club general secretary Apostle Never Nthani, after gathering at Mbombela Stadium, the procession will proceed on foot to the point where Antonie took his final steps.

At the site, participants will pause for prayer, reflection and flower laying. The tribute will conclude with a 5km memorial walk and run, heading up towards the Sabie/Lydenburg road, turning around at the 2.5km mark, and returning to Mbombela Stadium.

A community united by running

“Tomorrow is not about pace, distance, clubs or achievements,” said Nthani.

“It is simply about showing up for one another, remembering a fellow runner and honouring a life that touched our running community.”

The Nelspruit Marathon Club expressed its deepest gratitude to Antonie’s family for allowing the community to honour him, as well as to Tswelopele Funerals, iSecure and all stakeholders for stepping forward during this difficult time.

Attendees are requested to please respect Danushca’s privacy.