The road to district and provincial athletics selection began in earnest on February 13, when learners from across the region competed at the annual High Schools Cluster Meeting at Hoërskool Westonaria.

The event is a key fixture on the local athletics calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to qualify for district competitions and, ultimately, contend for provincial honours.

The cluster meeting follows the same structure as other recent school athletics events in the region. At Randfontein Cluster athletics meeting earlier in February, held at Hoërskool Riebeeckrand, top performers in each age group progressed to district championships and potentially to the Gauteng Provincial Athletics Championships, illustrating a clear pathway from grassroots to elite school sport.

Participating schools included the host, Hoërskool Westonaria (WH), TM Letlhake Secondary (TM), Simunye Secondary (SIM), Kgothalang Secondary (Kg), Glenharvie Combined (Glen), and Zuurbekom Intermediate (Zer).

Sports co-ordinator Nhlanhla Maluleke explained that the top three athletes in each event would qualify for the D2 competitions.

“They will compete with other athletes to represent the district and then go on to compete for the province,” he said.

Cluster meets bring learners together to compete in sprints, middle- and long-distance races, hurdles, and field events such as shot put, high jump and discus. Leading finishers earn selection to represent the district against other schools across the West Rand, with exceptional performers advancing to provincial competitions later in the season.

For many learners, qualification means more than achieving a personal best. It offers greater exposure, enhanced coaching opportunities, and the chance to wear district colours. Success at the provincial level can also place athletes on the radar for national school sport teams and open doors to sports scholarships.

School spirit on full display

Maluleke highlighted the strong sense of pride and unity evident throughout the day.

“At events such as this, school pride is high as teammates and teachers cheer on competitors,” he said.

Cheer squads from Hoërskool Westonaria filled the stands, dressed in blue, red, yellow and white tutus and face paint. Their enthusiasm added a festive element to the competition and motivated athletes throughout the day.

Vice principal Derik Jonker emphasised the importance of sport within the school curriculum.

“You get to know the learners on a different level. They learn that setbacks on the field can always be rectified, which is a valuable life lesson,” he said.

He added that the school’s hosting format included a fun element, with cheer squads and food stalls for spectators.

Athletes battle rain and resilience

The event later became a test of resilience when heavy rain disrupted proceedings.

Although light rain fell earlier in the morning, it cleared around 08:00, and the programme continued largely uninterrupted. By midday, however, dark clouds gathered, and heavy rain forced athletes, teachers and coaches to seek shelter, resulting in a delay of more than two hours.

Glenharvie Combined teacher Mpilonhle Nkosi said the delay created logistical challenges.

“By 14:00, buses were supposed to be heading back to their respective schools, but because several athletes were still waiting to compete, we had to negotiate with the bus drivers for an extension,” he explained.

Among those still waiting were Simunye Secondary learners Edward Masilo and Sbonginkosi Sithole, who were due to compete in the 100m and 200m races. They expressed concern about running barefoot on the wet track.

“We are mostly concerned about the 200m race because we have to start on a bend, which might be tricky on a wet surface,” they said.

Looking ahead

With the athletics season now in full swing, qualifiers from the cluster meeting will prepare for the upcoming district championships – the next step towards provincial selection.

While the day produced strong performances, it will also be remembered for the resilience shown by young athletes who refused to let the weather dampen their determination. As they prepare for the next round of competition, they carry forward lessons in grit, teamwork and perseverance – qualities the rain could not wash away.

The results are as follows:

U14 Girls
• Segwe Katlego (Kg) – 90m hurdles, 400m
• Thekiso Mbali (Kg) – 400m

U14 Boys
• Ball Alunathi (Kg) – 800m, 1 500m
• Malahla Yolanda (Kg) – 100m
• Tladi Kamogelo (Kg) – 100m

U15 Girls
• Machenzi Mapaseka (Zer) – 400m
• Ndlovu Linda (Kg) – 400m
• Colyn Kgalalelo (TM) – shotput
• Hlalele Ashanta – long jump
• Mashao Katlego – long jump
• Lubisse Catherine (TM) – shotput
• Mabuyakhulu Abongile (Glen) – 90m hurdles
• Qhalane Zikhona (Kg) – 100m, 800m
• Nkomo Mirriam (Kg) – 100m, high jump
• Ngakane Tshegofatso (Glen) – 200m
• Mlenga Owethu (WH) – 200m
• Dlavana Kgomotso – shotput
• Tlagiso Refiloe – shotput

U15 Boys
• Shongwe Khabo – 1 500m
• Diale Karabo (SIM) – 1 500m
• Matsane Mthokozisi (TM) – 100m
• Tshabalala Bohlale (Kg) – 100m
• Hanaunyana Tibero (Kg) – 300m hurdles
• Sibeko Zenzo (TM) – 300m hurdles
• Katope Thapelo (WH) – 200m, 400m
• Sotshantsha Sibusiso (WH) – 100m hurdles
• Jika Alakhe (Kg) – 100m hurdles
• Sithole Sibonkankosa (SIM)
• Jama Liyema (Glen) – 200m
• Sonkophe Unam (Glen) – 200m
• Selamolela Siphesihle (WH) – high jump
• Moamba Karabo (Glen) – high jump
• Amkele Siqwana (TM) – discus
• Tshabalala Lebogang (Kg) – discus

U17 Girls
• Sompane Boitumelo (Kg) – 3 000m, 1 500m
• Radebe Iza (TM) – 3 000m, 1 500m
• Khulu Jennifer (Kg) – 100m hurdles
• Ndlela Lesego (Glen) – shotput
• Mulambo Keorapetse (Glen) – shotput
• Ngakane Tshegofatso (Glen) – 200m
• Mlenga Owethu (WH) – 200m

U17 Boys
• Noah Azania (Kg) – 3 000m, 1 500m, 800m, 400m
• Rampheng Kabelo (Kg) – 3 000m
• Khoatsane Tebogo (TM) – 400m hurdles
• Ramatakane Relebohile – 300m hurdles
• Tshabalala Bohlale (Kg) – 300m hurdles
• Jika Alakhe (Kg) – 300m, 100m hurdles
• Mkhize Ayanda (TM) – 100m hurdles
• Jama Liyema (SM) – 200m
• Ngobeni Hlamulo (Kg) – 200m
• Khoatsane Kamohelo (SIM) – high jump
• Mtebhele James (Glen) – high jump
• Mahlatsi Mojalefa (Kg) – 100m
• Mokgatla Lesedi (WH) – 100m
• Noko Nkoainathi (TM) – 1 500m, discus
• Matsana Bokamoso (Glen) – discus

U19 Girls
• Ngqono Wisefew (SIM) – 400m hurdles
• Zakhe Sisipho (Kg) – 400m hurdles
• Tlhapi Karabo (WH) – 100m
• Montshiwa Kearabetswe – 100m

U19 Boys
• Tom Siphelelo – discus
• Mohorosi Tshepo (TM) – discus, 400m
• Ntsika Lukhwe (WH) – 200m, 100m
• Kgatse Rethabile (WH) – 200m
• Tlali Botshabelo (WH) – 100m
• Maluleke Alex (Kg) – 400m, 1 500m
• Ncokwana Edwin – 1 500m
• Nzele Sinekamva (Glen) – hurdles
• Lebaka Vusi (TM) – hurdles
• Nkone Mohau (SIM) – 400m hurdles
• Mokitlane Derich (Glen) – shotput
• Chiluvana Gift (TM) – shotput, javelin
• Vakala Yakhanani (Kg) – javelin
• Jafta Lesego Thabo – 400m

Relays

U15 Girls Relay
• Skhosana Lindokuhle – 4x100m

U15 Boys Relay
• Njwaro Luyanda (Glen) – 4x100m

U17 Boys Relay
• Dlavana Sello (Kg) – 4x100m

Also read: Speed, stamina and school pride on display at Randfontein Cluster Athletics