Run Alex Athletics Club throws its weight behind its chairperson for Central Gauteng Athletics elections | Alex News

Run Alex Athletics Club has endorsed its chairperson, Mokakatla Masekela, for the Central Gauteng Athletics elections.

For local athletes who have been part of the club for years, the endorsement comes as no surprise. They are familiar with Masekela’s leadership, grassroots involvement, and vision for stronger athlete development.

Like many other local athletes, Masekela is a celebrated leader, nurtured from within the club. When Run Alex was formed in 2018, its mission was to bring change to the Alexandra community through athletics. The club deliberately avoided seeking experienced administrators, instead giving members opportunities to learn and lead.

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Out of this approach, Run Alex has nurtured leaders from within, with one of its most celebrated being Masekela, who it feels is now ready to step into the provincial spotlight.

The endorsement is also based on the fact that, as chairperson of Run Alex Athletics Club, Masekela has played a central role in the club’s growth and success.

The club said that, under his leadership, it built a strong digital presence and developed one of the largest junior wings in Gauteng. Masekela’s contribution has also been vital in organising the Run Alex 10km race, now entering its fourth edition and regarded as the biggest mass participation event in Alexandra.

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“It is through his hard work and dedication that the club feels he is ready to serve, not just the community of Alex, but the entire Central Gauteng Athletics,” the club said, pledging its support for him in commissions covering cross-country, track and field, and road running.

Run Alex believes that, if elected, Masekela will help drive the development of athletics across Gauteng. “As a club, we have no doubt that his work ethic and dedication will move Central Gauteng Athletics forward.”

Explaining his decision to stand for the elections, Masekela said it stems from his long-standing involvement at the grassroots level through Run Alex, as well as his active community engagement with public educational institutions and private academies, where he witnessed first-hand both the strength of athletes and the structural gaps holding them back.

Although he acknowledged both the talent and passion within Central Gauteng Athletics, he noted their need for improvement. He said it requires better co-ordination, accountability, and stronger development pathways to support athletes from the ground up. “I have so much respect and gratitude to the previous teams and executives. However, I strongly believe this is the right moment to contribute more practically to rebuild trust and strengthen those systems.”

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