JANSENVILLE – Endinako Jola, a Grade 10 learner at Gcinubuzwe Combined School in Jansenville, is rapidly establishing himself as one of South Africa’s most promising young athletes.
Jola’s journey in athletics began at local school competitions, where his natural ability quickly set him apart from his peers.
His discipline and perseverance propelled him from district to provincial level, culminating in a historic achievement as the first athlete from his hometown, Klipplaat, to earn Eastern Province Colours.
For the past five years, he has consistently qualified to represent Eastern Province at the South African Championships.
In 2025, he secured a defining triumph at the SA Schools Championships in Bloemfontein by breaking the 3000-metre record with a time of 8:53.
This year, Jola took his talent to the international stage when he represented South Africa at the COSSASA Games in Eswatini, held from 23 to 28 August.
Competing against top athletes from Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, he delivered an exceptional performance and returned home with three medals: gold in the 1500 metres, gold in the 3000 metres, and bronze in the 5000 metres.
In congratulating Jola, the Dr. Beyers Naudé Local Municipality’s communication unit representative, Mr ML Mkhahlela, stated that this is a victory not only for Jola, but for Klipplaat, Jansenville, and the entire Dr. Beyers Naudé community.
“Your dreams are valid, your talent can take you beyond the borders of your small town, and just like Endinako, you can run towards greatness.”
