NOLUVO MGIJIMA 

DESPITE growing up in the dusty village of Mthwane in Umzimkhulu, Sinethemba Tshangase (27) has been nominated for the KZN Male Road Running Athlete of the Year, competing in the category with well-known runners.

He is currently one of the top three finalists in the competition, with the awards ceremony set to take place on Saturday, August 16, in Durban.

His running journey started as a way of coping with life’s pressures but later became a life-changing career.

In 2020, Tshangase participated in a provincial marathon where he was spotted by his current coach Mthandeni Nene of Mthande Athletes Management.

Under the guidance of Nene, he has run and won several marathons including this year’s Harry Gwala Marathon.

“Holding a Public Management qualification will never stop me from running,” he said while voicing appreciation for the support he has been receiving from his family.