In the long, punishing relay of life, South Africa has lost one of its brightest runners, Jetman Msuthu, Comrades Marathon champion and Green Number 7532.
Jetman passed away at the age of 68, just days after the death of his wife, a heartbreaking double blow for his family.
Born in the rolling hills of Lukholo near Bizana, Msuthu first laced up his shoes as a teenager and never stopped chasing horizons. His stride carried him from dusty village paths to the gold seams of Evander Mine, and eventually to the ultimate test of endurance, the Comrades Marathon.
Between 1988 and 2016, he conquered the famous route 14 times, collecting medals like mile markers: three golds, 10 silvers, and one bronze.
But it was 1992 that etched his name into the annals of South African running. On that day, he thought he was finishing in the shadows of third place, only to discover weeks later that the crown was his.
Charl Mattheus’s disqualification handed Msuthu the laurel, making him only the second man of colour to win the great race, after the late Sam Tshabalala.
Though he never broke the tape or held the winner’s baton on race day, he wore the title of champion for the rest of his life with humility and pride.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday 19 September 2025Obituary: Jetman Msuthu (Comrades Green Number 7532)
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the passing earlier this week of former Comrades Marathon winner and Green Number-holder… pic.twitter.com/rPDNONAoZp
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) September 19, 2025
Tributes have poured in like runners streaming through Polly Shorts. CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo called him “a legend who ran for love of the sport, not prize money”.
Former CMA Chairperson Cheryl Winn described him as “a worthy champion who never got his moment in the sun on race day, yet carried the mantle of Comrades winner for 33 years.”
Nine-time champion Bruce Fordyce remembered his humour and grace, while 1991 winner Nick Bester recalled him as both rival and teammate when they clinched gold together at the 100km World Championships in Belgium in 1993.
“My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was, and he always laughed when I teased him about not being able to carry the Winner’s Baton in 1992,” said Fordyce
“But he seemed genuinely overcome with emotion when some of us arranged for him to be photographed carrying it at the Comrades Marathon Association’s Centenary Celebration Run in 2021.”
Jetman’s story was not just about medals, but about mentoring, inspiring, and proving that heart can outrun hardship. His last Comrades, in 2016, was a steady farewell jog in 9:38:48. It was his way of closing the chapter on his terms.
The running fraternity mourns a champion who, like his name, seemed to fly above adversity. Jetman Msuthu may have run his final mile, but his legacy will keep pacing generations of South Africans long after the roads have grown quiet.
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“A legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.” — Mqondisi Ngcobo
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“He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.” — Cheryl Winn
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“My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was.” — Bruce Fordyce
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“Our friend and teammate… he will be missed.” — Nick Bester
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Rest easy, Comrades Champion. The race is done, but your stride echoes on.
