Pongoma Re-Elected As Border Athletics Boss

Sicelo Pongoma was re-elected president of Border Athletics during the federation’s Quadrennial General Meeting in KuGompo City on Saturday, capping a dramatic election that saw outgoing vice president Keith Blanket fail dismally across multiple ballots.

Blanket, who entered the election as a nominee for four separate executive portfolios—including a challenge for the presidency — suffered a complete electoral defeat, failing to secure enough votes to lock down a single seat on the incoming 2026–2030 Executive Board.

In contrast, the Council of Clubs delivered a firm vote of confidence in the incumbent leadership core. Joining Pongoma at the top of the Eastern Cape governing body is newly elected Vice President Fezeka Nkomonye, while stalwarts Noluthando Makeleni and Phaphama Malusi were retained to lead the Finance and Road Running portfolios, respectively.

Shift Toward Gender Equity

While five returning board members provide governance stability and institutional memory, the election outcome marks a major structural shift toward gender parity. Women now occupy 50% of the eight elected executive seats, placing female leadership directly at the head of the vice presidency, finance, athlete representation, and women's development.

The 50-50 gender balance aligns Border Athletics with transformation mandates outlined in South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, alongside governance guidelines set by the International Olympic Committee and the Confederation of African Athletics.

Elections to fill the remaining leadership positions — specifically the chairpersons of the Coaches Committee and the Technical Officials Committee — will be concluded in the coming weeks. The election process was observed by Athletics South Africa board member Jazz Mnyengeza and acting CEO Terrence Magogodela.

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