BY Staff Reporter

Mahikeng-The MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture in the North West, Ms Tebogo Modise, has congratulated the two North West athletes who took prime positions at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and Half-marathon in Cape Town on Saturday.

David Gatebe, who works full-time for Impala Platinum in Rustenburg, was the first to cross the line in the 2013 event, in a time of 3:09:40, while Stephen Mokoka of Mafikeng won the 21-kilometre half marathon in 1:03:36. 

Modise was full of praise for the athletes who put one of the smallest Provinces in South Africa on the map as they stamped their collective authority in one of the premier events on the calendar of sport in the country.  

“The victories of these two athletes is a boost to our goal of contributing top-class athletes to the pool of international runners in South Africa,” said Modise. “This should serve as an inspiration to the youth of our Province. They must realise that the fact that they come from a tiny and predominantly rural province is not an impediment.”

She cited Mokoka as an example of a rural youth who fought the odds to claim his place under the sun.

“Here is young man from the village. Last year he represented South Africa in the Olympics. Now he is once again showing his mettle at one of the most important races in South Africa. For his part, Gatebe works full-time, but is capable of beating the best in the country. I am thrilled by the achievements of the two.

“All our youth, boys and girls, should look at Gatebe and Mokoka as an example of how one can become an achiever in their chosen paths.”  

Earlier in the month, Modise told the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) during its visit to the Province that it was her plan to help athletes in the Province to excel so that they could become part of the South African success story on the international stage.

The MEC also congratulated other athletes from the Province who completed the race, booking themselves a place in the Comrades Marathon later in the year. They are include Aubrey Mojaje, Sello Maema, Glorius Mooka, Tebogo Mmusi, Mmabudi Dlavu, Festi Mokgabisi, Andries Diale, Donald Matsotsi, Harry Mathiba, Simon Dialwe, Kagiso Digoamaje, Johnny Mopaka, Katlego Modirwa, Lekhu Molefe, Ben Mokotedi, Simon Taudi, Leromo Lentswe, Albert Malangeni, Israel Stameer, Mokorwane Monageng, Tshidi Mochobo, Tseko Mathabela, Solomon Tueng,  Madikgang Dlamini, Kleinbooi Mosing, katlego Modirwa. Thathi Moiseleng, Joromia Njokwena, Johny Mopako, Aubrey Morwe, Peter Mpolokeng, Nimron Finger, Willem Van Rooyen, Emanual Jwele Tlhomolang, Emanual Tshoshwane, Itumeleng Moloko and Abikwa Badala.

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