The ANC congratulates Bongumusa Mthembu on winning the 2014 Comrades Marathon, which was held in KwaZulu-Natal recently. The triumph of Mthembu in the 89th Comrades Marathon over about 89km downhill is remarkable in a race known for testing one's endurance and strength.
We are happy for young Bongumusa that in the month when we celebrate the youth, he has won this title on behalf of the youth and that his name has been registered in the history books as one of the most outstanding ultramarathon runners internationally.
We are also happy as the ANC that we, as a sporting nation, were able to secure seven spaces in the top ten and that three of our runners were in the top three. We congratulate Ludwick Mamabolo, who came second and Gift Kelehe, who came third. We also call on the business community to sponsor the various athletics clubs so that we can ensure the development of our athletes. Thank you. [Applause.]