Orange Farm athlete Jessica Mkhwanazi has secured another major achievement after finishing third at the Gauteng Schools Championships held at Sagewood Curro in Midrand over the weekend.
Mkhwanazi, who trains with Flexible Athletics Club, earned a bronze medal and secured a place to represent Gauteng at the SASSA Championships, scheduled to take place at Curro on 2 and 3 October 2026.
The achievement will see Mkhwanazi represent Gauteng at school championships for the second time this year, capping a strong season for the young athlete.
Flexible Athletics Club said her performances throughout the year have demonstrated the progress she has made through consistent training and competition.
“We are very happy with her performance throughout the season. She has produced some of her best results this year, and as Flexible Athletics Club we are delighted to have developed such raw talent from our community,” the club said.
Orange Farm Sports Council chairperson Thato Tsotetsi congratulated Mkhwanazi, saying her achievement was also a positive reflection of the sporting talent being developed in the community.
“Jessica’s achievement makes Orange Farm proud. To earn another opportunity to represent Gauteng shows what our young athletes can accomplish when their talent is matched with commitment, discipline and the right support. We congratulate her and wish her well as she prepares for the national championships,” said Tsotetsi.
Tsotetsi also commended Flexible Athletics Club for creating opportunities for young athletes to develop and compete beyond the local level.
Flexible Athletics Club credited coaches Sipho, Simon, David, Khanyisani, Jabu and Sifiso for their daily work with athletes. The club said 30 of its athletes have reached provincial level.
Following the national championships, Mkhwanazi is expected to turn her attention to road running for the remainder of the year as part of her continued development.
For now, her focus will be on preparing for the October championships and another opportunity to carry both Gauteng and Orange Farm onto a bigger sporting stage.
