eMalahleni was well represented at the National Golden Games for senior citizens in Bloemfontein on October 31.

The province of Mpumalanga was represented by eight competitors, including well-known athlete Nodindwa Mtsweni, who won a gold medal in the 800m run in a time of two minutes and 32 seconds.

Mtsweni said: “This victory came after I was hospitalised for eight days. Thereafter, when I resumed training, I was hit by a very serious heel injury called plantar fasciitis. This resulted in me having to cancel all my pre-registered 10km road races. But I praise the Lord that I still made it as a champ against all odds. I am very proud of my province, Mpumalanga, and the support I received from eMalahleni. Charity begins at home.”

He added that the level of competition was high: “The standard was a bit high because some well-experienced athletes emerged, especially in the 800m event, including top runners from various provinces. It was good to run with the best. I participated two years ago, but the standard has definitely been raised now.”

Mtsweni also expressed gratitude to government role-players: “I would like to thank two government departments – Social Development and Sport – for helping senior citizens upskill their talents at their age and keeping elderly people active throughout the year in various sports centres.”

Read more: Thungela honours 211 Mpumalanga school leaders in eMalahleni

Hard work on the sports field has earned 12 young athletes from eMalahleni a spot on the provincial stage Read more⬇ https://t.co/vopruHCcts

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) November 9, 2026

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