Prostate Cancer Foundation Honour Gets Thulani Tearful

Former Two Oceans champ Sibisi is appreciated for his exceptional impact on raising awareness and supporting survivors

Former Two Oceans Marathon champion with nurse Mosa Lehloka-Mashabane at the

You'd think Thulani Sibisi would be used to winning given his standing as a former Two Oceans Marathon champion. And having been victorious in a long-standing legal battle for his Orlando West house in Soweto, the temptation would be to expect him to take his successes in his stride. This, after all, is a man who is still standing strong despite prostate cancer having him by the balls for over a decade now.

But when the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa conferred on him the Legacy Award during an intimate ceremony in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Sibisi resembled a first-time victor - his emotions getting the better of him.

The 1986 winner of the famous 56km Mother City ultra-marathon broke down and shed tears as he accepted the award and acknowledged the words of praise spoken of him for his activism in spreading the word about prostate cancer.

“Sometimes you run out of words,” his voice cracked “I was never honoured in this way. Never in my life have I been honoured like this – to stand publicly for an event that is organised especially for me. Yes I won Two Oceans but this is different, this is very special. My tears are not because of anything that is bad, they are tears of joy. I have worked with very good people who have helped me in life.”

Though he was right on that score, this day was all about what he has done to help others and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa wanted him to know they value his contribution to their cause.

Thulani Sibisi with Dr Shanghai Mtambira and nurse Mosa Lehloka-Mashabane

The citation on the certificate read: “in appreciation of and recognition for the exceptional impact that you have made while serving in your role as vice-chairman of the Patient Affairs Board. Your contribution to raising awareness about prostate cancer in South Africa and supporting prostate cancer survivors has been recognised as exceptional for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and its members, your peers, the media, the athletics world and members of the public.”

A truer citation there could be no other and Patient Affairs Board chairman Iain Johnston – himself a prostate cancer survivor – added to it.

“Thulani’s Two Oceans Marathon victory and his fight for his home in Soweto showed his tenacity as a man. But what he has done for the Prostate Cancer Foundation is incredible. Thulani, you have no idea how many people you have impacted. Please take the kudos for the work you have done and the impact you have made. You are an inspiration. Personally, when I get a victim mentality, I always think of you Thulani. You are an amazing human being.”

Amazing indeed, for despite his own personal struggles with cancer that has rendered him a shadow of the strapping athlete who was always a challenger for honours during the mid-eighties in big races such as Two Oceans and the City to City Marahons, Sibisi has prioritised making men aware of the dangers of prostate cancer.

An ever-present at the Two Oceans that has given him the platform to spread the word, Sibisi will always be found encouraging men to go for the test lest they get diagnosed too late like he was.

He is particularly active in Soweto where he works very closely with the Baragwanath Hospital’s Oncology Unit to educate men about the dangers of prostate cancer and is a pillar of strength and encouragement for those struggling with the disease.

Though he is reduced to a shuffler, he continues to participate in the famed Hollard Daredevil Run which sees men racing topless in purple Speedos in a bid to ‘run the cancer out of town’.

He may have shed tears on Tuesday, but there can be no denying Thulani Sibisi is a strong man as evidenced by his brave battle against a cancer that would have long seen many succumbing.

“You have to be resilient,” he said “You can’t survive anything if you are not resilient and you can’t survive if you are not positive. I challenge everything positively and if I lose it, I lose it.”

Thulani Sibisi listens on as Patience Affaird Board Chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foumdation Iain Johnston lavishes him with praise

Besides no longer being a competitive runner, Thulani Sibisi has lost nothing. And he continues to inspire, educate and encourage.

No wonder the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa felt it imperative to honour him the way they did - with their Legacy Award. And his emotions and acceptance of it spoke volumes of what it meant for him.