Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Government pays tribute to equestrian trailblazer Enos Mafokate

sanews.gov.za · 11dShare

Government pays tribute to equestrian trailblazer Enos Mafokate Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe have paid tribute to legendary equestrian Enos Mafokate, extending condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, following his passing. Mafokate died on 3 September 2026 at the age of 82. “Mafokate rose from Alexandra to enter a sport that apartheid had made appear as though it belonged to others. He showed that we belonged there too. What I respect most is that Mafokate did not forget those coming behind him. He went back and opened the way for others. That is what a real champion does,” McKenzie said in a statement on Thursday. Born on 15 February 1944 in Alexandra, Johannesburg, Mafokate helped transform South African equestrian sport and inspire generations of young riders. “He rose from working as a groom to becoming South Africa’s first Black showjumper, competing at the highest levels of the sport. Among his achievements were a seco

First report: Enos Mafokate, South Africa’s first Black show jumping champion, dies at 80 — sports.yahoo.com, 12d