The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has named its leading athletes set to represent the department at the prestigious 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026, reaffirming its commitment to sporting excellence and competitive endurance running.
The announcement follows an intensive selection process that evaluated performance consistency, race results, and physical readiness across the ultra-marathon calendar.
Wearing the familiar white and green DCS colours, the selected athletes will line up alongside thousands of runners from South Africa and across the world, competing in the 56km Ultra Marathon. With national pride, personal ambition, and bragging rights on the line, this year’s contest promises fireworks from the gun.
All eyes will be on DCS elite runner Masonwabe Bosiki of the Western Cape (Pollsmoor), who stormed across the finish line in 3:42 in 2025 to claim the title as the first DCS male athlete. Calm yet lethal on the road, Bosiki returns with one clear goal: to defend his crown and secure a historic back-to-back victory.
But the crown is far from safe. Hot on his heels is his determined teammate, Malakhiwe Ysterman, who powered his way to a third-place finish in 4:00 last year. With consistent preparation and a disciplined build-up to the race, Ysterman is poised to turn pressure into opportunity, and this time, he is gunning for the top spot.
The men’s race is expected to be highly competitive, featuring the formidable Joel Kutu of the Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area. A distinguished Blue Number holder—an award given to runners who have completed 10 Two Oceans Ultra or Half Marathons—Kutu brings a wealth of experience built over more than a decade. The veteran’s presence is set to raise the intensity of the race and place significant pressure on the established contenders. He crossed the finish line in 4:19 in the previous edition.
The women’s race tells an equally compelling tale. DCS first lady Ziphindile Dlamini from the Carolina Correctional Centre in the Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga (LMN) Region, and the 2024 champion who claimed victory in 4:46:23, makes her highly anticipated return after missing last year’s event. Determined and race-hardened, Dlamini is set on reclaiming her throne.
Standing firmly in her way is Masi Sibiya of Gauteng, the reigning 2025 Ultra Marathon winner, who clocked 6:01 and now has her sights set on a back-to-back triumph.
Adding intrigue to the women’s field is Nonkhanyo Mjobo from the Western Cape (Pollsmoor) – the new face with fearless intent. Recently crowned DCS female 27 for Freedom Race (Mandela Race) champion in Drakenstein, she steps up from the 21km Half Marathon to tackle her first Ultra, shifting gears and testing herself against seasoned competitors in what could be a breakout performance.
Beyond the podium battles, correctional athletes are chasing deeply personal victories: new personal bests, breakthrough performances, and the reward for months of early morning and late afternoon sacrifices.