Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
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.
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).
After scenes of celebratory dancing outside Bulawayo City Hall, the Silobela born Tshuma who was later raised in Makokoba, a reception function was later held at Council Chambers were 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, your feet has a good story. You carried hopes of a nation and crossed the line in second place on the most prestigious ultra-marathon 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 also did not mince his words.
“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 highlight that Bulawayo is a city that generates world talent. We want to make this city a sports capital of the country. We are considering to make 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, with his grace was not going to achieve 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 at such races. This is not my, it’s for everyone,” said Tshuma much to the applause of invited guests.
