The SNAT Big Bend Branch Half Marathon in Eswatini began with a solemn tribute to two members of the athletics community on Saturday. Event Coordinator Victor 'Mavikana' Dlamini called on runners at Siphofaneni Plaza to observe a moment of silence for South African runner Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo and local athletics official and teacher Emmanuel Gumedze.
Moselakgomo, 38, was a well-known runner who competed for Team Vitality and Waterfall City Athletics Club. She disappeared on September 9 after leaving her home in Kempton Park for an afternoon run, with her body later identified by her family. Her death has resonated strongly with the running fraternity in Eswatini, with local athletes previously dedicating runs to her memory.
Eswatini ultra-runner Andreas Simelane also completed a 109km tribute run in her honour, while other runners across the country joined solidarity runs. Moselakgomo was not only an avid runner but also a mother to an eight-year-old daughter. She had recently completed the Wanderers half-marathon in Johannesburg before her death, making the tribute particularly poignant for fellow runners who saw her as part of the wider Southern African running family.
The runners also remembered Gumedze, a teacher and athletics official whose contribution to the sport was acknowledged at the event. He tragically died in a truck accident on September 17, 2026. Dlamini urged participants to pause before the race and honour his memory alongside that of Moselakgomo.
The moment of silence set a reflective tone before runners embarked on the half marathon, turning the event into not only a test of endurance but also an opportunity for the athletics fraternity to remember two people connected to the sport. This tribute was a testament to the impact Moselakgomo and Gumedze had on the athletics community in Eswatini and beyond.
Athletics South Africa subsequently mourned Moselakgomo's death and highlighted concerns over the safety of women participating in sport and exercise. Her death has sparked a conversation about the safety of women athletes, and the running community in Eswatini and South Africa continues to feel the loss of Moselakgomo and Gumedze.
The SNAT Big Bend Branch Half Marathon is one of the events that bring together athletes from Eswatini and other parts of Southern Africa. With over 375 shares on social media, the event demonstrated that Moselakgomo's legacy lives on through the solidarity of runners who continue to celebrate her life and achievements.
Key points
- The SNAT Big Bend Branch Half Marathon began with a moment of silence for Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo and Emmanuel Gumedze.
- Moselakgomo's death has sparked concerns over the safety of women participating in sport and exercise.
- Local athletes in Eswatini had previously dedicated runs to Moselakgomo's memory, showing solidarity with the running community.
