Veteran coach Chris White bids for KZN Athletics presidency

Veteran athletics coach and educator Christopher White has announced that he will challenge for the presidency of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) when nominations open, citing a need for reform, accountability, and a renewed commitment to athlete development.

White, based in Pietermaritzburg and known for his athlete-centred approach, said he had considered leaving the sport altogether in frustration, but was ultimately inspired to act for the sake of the young athletes he mentors – including his own children. 

"I’ve been involved in athletics for nearly 20 years and, in recent years – particularly the seven years under Sello Mokoena and the last four under Steve Mkasi – things have gone from bad to worse,” according to 42-year-old White.

“I reached the point where I contemplated leaving the sport.

“But I have children who love athletics, and it’s difficult for me to sit by and tell them, and the other young athletes I coach, that we must act with integrity, while the very people I work with in the federation appear to lack it.”

White explained that he originally approached several clubs in the province to suggest candidates for the upcoming elections, with an eye on unseating Mkasi.

“The clubs came back and said, ‘Chris, we want you to do it’. I agreed, but only if others would also stand for positions.

"No single person can save a province – it’s going to take a major collective effort. Thankfully, many said they would.”

White is the founder of the Elite Performance Group and has held roles as national team coach. He is also a facilitator and moderator in the national coach education programme run by SASCOC.

“I’ve spent my career building systems that work,” White stated. “KZN is home to extraordinary talent, but we need consistent structures that retain athletes and support coaches at every level.”

“Coach education is the backbone of national success,” he added. “You can’t expect world-class results from environments that are under-resourced and unsupported.”

Beyond coaching, White plays a leadership role within the KZN Sports Confederation Coaches Committee.

Meanwhile, KZNA president Mkasi, now completing his four-year term, also confirmed his intention to run for re-election. 

"I congratulate White and everybody else who is nominated to contest the upcoming KZNA elections. Elections are about choice and people who are the constituency of KZNA will vote for their board and commissions as they believe will take KZNA forward," Mkasi said, in a statement.

He praised the collective efforts of the current board that has "worked tirelessly to improve the financial status of KZNA from a negative bank balance to four years of financial stability".

"I cannot find what is bad to worse between the era prior to me becoming president and this current election cycle. I strongly believe in the idiom that you don’t change anything that is not broken," Mkasi continued.

"The board that I lead and I could be victims of our own successes. Our financial position as KZNA is known by all our members.

"I have a feeling that some may be tempted to stand for positions with ulterior motives for the financial reserves. I would, therefore, urge the clubs to consider where KZNA was in 2018 to where it is in 2025 ...

"I am standing and ready to propel KZNA forward from the foundation we have laid."

The KZNA elections will take place a week after the Comrades Marathon on June 8. KZNA confirmed that the nominations list will be released on May 23.