Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
BULAWAYO yesterday rolled out a heroes’ welcome for its celebrated daughter, Nobukhosi Nobuhle Tshuma, as the city and the nation united to honour her historic achievement at the 2026 Comrades Marathon in South Africa.
Tshuma, who finished second in the prestigious ultra-marathon, made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean woman to stand on the Comrades Marathon podium and the first black woman to claim an Up Run podium finish since the race was first held in 1921.
The accomplished long-distance runner arrived at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport to a rousing reception attended by fellow athletes, civic leaders and members of the public before embarking on a city-wide victory tour organised by the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust (JNLRPT).
Bulawayo Mayor, Senator David Coltart, hailed Tshuma’s feat as a source of immense pride for the city and the country.
After scenes of celebratory dancing outside Bulawayo City Hall for the Silobela-born Tshuma, who was later raised in Makokoba, a reception function was held at Council Chambers, where Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, showered praise on the Comrades Marathon heroine, describing her achievement as a victory for the nation.
Minister Ncube’s speech was read on her behalf by deputy director human resources, Tendai Mlilo, the former said:
“Today (yesterday), Bulawayo, and indeed Zimbabwe pauses to welcome home one of our own Nobukhosi Nobuhle Tshuma and to place on record our pride, gratitude and recognition for an outstanding achievement at the just ended 2026 Comrades Marathon.”
The Minister added: “Nobukhosi, you ran 86 kilometres in 5 hours 53 minutes. In doing so, you made your journey, and your feet have a good story. You carried hopes of a nation and crossed the line in second place on the most prestigious ultramarathon podium in the world. In doing so, you made history; you are the first black Zimbabwean woman ever to stand on that podium.
Therefore, I call upon Bulawayo and large to join the office of the Minister of State in celebrating Nobukhosi’s victory and all her success stories.”
Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart did not hold back praise.
“We don’t always have occasions like these as a city. Nobuhle has brought us pride. Born in Silobela in underprivileged conditions, to Makokoba and to raise our flag so high is wonderful. That is a remarkable achievement.
“Nobukhosi, you have become an ambassador of yourself, the city and the nation. Your victory is also an important component that has brought into the spotlight that Bulawayo is a city that generates world talent. We want to make this city the sports capital of the country. We are considering making you the ambassador of the city,” said Coltart before reading and giving a City of Bulawayo Citation to the athlete.
Tshuma was overjoyed.
“I’m overwhelmed, I’m truly honoured to get such a welcome. I want to thank the Almighty for blessing me; without His grace was not have achieved this. My journey has been easy. I went to face many challenges after my mother died while I was very young, but I refused to give up. I never imagined myself competing in such races. This is not my, it’s for everyone,” said Tshuma, much to the applause of guests.
JNLRPT founding trustee and director of special projects, Kwanele Hlabangana, reckoned: “We welcome our sister as a trust as we also seek to sustain the legacy of the late Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
As a trust, we believe sport is an economy. The city has sporting facilities and I would like to encourage corporates to put money into sport.”
The festivities were set to culminate with an inspirational lecture at Townsend High School, where the history-making athlete was expected to share her journey and motivate aspiring sports stars.
Tshuma was, later in the day, expected to give an inspirational speech to girls at Townsend High School.
For Bulawayo and the nation at large, the celebrations represented more than just a homecoming; they were a fitting heroine’s welcome for a woman whose exploits will inspire generations. – @FungaiMuderere.
