By REGINALD KANYANE
South African athlete, Morena Tete Dijana won the prestigious Comrade Marathon in 2022. Dijana, who was born in Lonely Park village, near Mahikeng, puts on a masterclass to clinch the title in 5:30:36 minutes time.
Dijana is working as a security guard at the North West University (NWU) from Mahikeng campus but took a leave a few months ago in preparation for the Comrade Marathon. He has been running from an early age, whilst a learner at Lapologang Secondary School.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape said: “Dijana’s story personifies tenacity. The people of the province personify what I said in my maiden State of the Province Address (SOPA) when I quoted Nigerian author and Poet, Ben Okri.
“We are people who have the capacity to endure and turn around our lives no matter the challenges confronting us. This continues to demonstrate that the province is abundant with talented people.”
Hot on Dijana’s heels, was another athlete, Edward Mothibi, who hails from Sekhing village in Taung. Mothibi was the Comrade Marathon’s defending champion in the men’s category.
Maape also congratulated a female athlete, Adele Broodryk from Potchefstroom, who obtained 3rd position in the women’s marathon. The mother of two who is also a Lecturer at the North West University (NWU) was competing for the first time in the Comrades Marathon.
“We have been working hard in resuscitating and promoting sports in various parts of the province and our efforts are now paying dividends. Plans are already underway to give the champion and all those who participated in the marathon a heroic welcome,” he said.
The Guardian 