KZN Athletics president suspended after viral street altercation
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics president Steve Mkasi has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing following a physical altercation involving a local athlete.
Video footage of the incident circulated widely on social media over the weekend, appearing to show Mkasi involved in a confrontation with Ama Ravens Athletics Club member Sphephelo Ndlovu.
Ndlovu is also an organiser of Durban’s Best of the Best Marathon.
Reports suggest the confrontation followed critical comments allegedly made by Ndlovu about Mkasi on Facebook. According to The Running Mann blog, a telephone conversation took place before Mkasi allegedly travelled to Ndlovu’s location.
The exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation will now form part of an independent investigation.
Here's a video of what appears to be KZNA president Steve Mkasi in a street fight with Ama Ravens Best of the Best Marathon organiser Sphephelo Ndlovu. Information I have is that Mkasi threated Ndlovu after he commented negatively about Mkasi on this article: pic.twitter.com/pYGJyWHmaD
— The Running Mann (@runningmann100) July 12, 2026
In a circular sent to affiliated clubs, the KZN Athletics board said the incident had attracted significant public attention and raised concerns about the organisation’s governance and reputation.
The board resolved to institute a formal disciplinary inquiry to determine whether any provisions of the KZNA constitution, code of conduct or governance framework were breached.
An independent initiator will investigate the incident and formulate any potential charges, while a senior advocate is expected to chair the disciplinary hearing.
KZNA stressed that Mkasi’s suspension was a precautionary measure and did not amount to a finding of guilt.
Ndlovu has also reportedly been suspended from participating in athletics activities until the disciplinary process has been concluded.
Mkasi has since apologised for his involvement in the incident, describing it as a serious lapse of judgment.
“I’m making no excuses. No justification to my reaction. I’m sorry,” he said in a message quoted by TimesLIVE. He reportedly characterised the incident as a “tussle for keys”.
KZN Athletics says the independent process is intended to ensure transparency, impartiality and procedural fairness for everyone involved.