GOOD Statement by Kaden Arguile, GOOD National Youth Chairperson:
The GOOD Party calls on Comrades Marathon organisers to remove fossil fuel sponsors from its event entirely. The removal of Engen from the iconic South African event was a victory against the normalised practice of greenwashing in our sports.
Only for Astron Energy to be announced as the 2025 sponsor. It is a slap in the face to the thousands who protested Engen’s involvement. South Africa’s business owners and organisers must understand that without our renowned environment their events will have an expiry date. Taking on these sponsors only makes that countdown shorter.
Greenwashing, promoting an environmentally friendly image, exist in a variety of spaces but sport, especially endurance sports, become more at risk every year the temperature of the planet rises. An increased temperature will result in an increase in heatstroke, water deficiencies and can result in death during these events. The terrain and environment surrounding Comrades is a part of its unique selling point which has resulted in it becoming an internationally acclaimed race for runners. Fossil fuels and these principles cannot be merged when one devours the other akin to a cancerous cell.
This fact was supported by South African citizens themselves. Comrades’ organisers responded to the collective outcry of supporters by withdrawing this sponsor. As environmentalists, we cannot let this be a piece of news when it should be a case study for the change our opposition can cause. Protesting in this manner has worked against corporations like Shell for offshore marine drilling and should be replicated.
A precedent against propaganda has been set.
A race cannot be held during an extreme heatwave or flooding. Both natural phenomena occur regularly in the country with their frequencies only increasing as the ramifications of fossil fuels ravage our environment. Allowing these companies sponsorship opportunities is not only ignoring the wishes of their South African supporters but also besmirching the legacy of a race with deep roots of honouring our environment.
We echo calls made by civil society players, journalists, researchers and runners themselves to ensure that Comrades is a fossil free event. Help us ensure that our finish line is full of air, not fumes.
GOOD Inclusivity: GOOD aims to be a party for all South Africans, regardless of race or gender.
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