A 17-year-old athlete from Orange Farm is making her mark in athletics after strong performances at both provincial and national level.
Jessica Mkhwanazi, a Grade 11 learner at Jabulile Secondary School, recently secured third place in the girls’ 3000m race at the Gauteng provincial championships, finishing with an impressive time of 10 minutes 24 seconds.
Her performance earned her a place in Team Gauteng, representing the province at the South African Schools Athletics Championships held at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria from 28 April to 2 May 2026.
Competing against the country’s top young athletes, Mkhwanazi finished sixth in the under-17 girls’ 3000m final, clocking 10 minutes 26 seconds.
Mkhwanazi trains with Flexible Athletics Club, a development club aimed at nurturing young talent. The club is led by former professional athlete Thato Tsotetsi and supported by a team including Jabu Msibi, Sifiso Mtsi, Khanyisani, Bathabile Tladi, Goodness Lichaba and Dirocious Makhabulo.
Her coaching team — Sipho Mhlanga, David Mokoena, Sifiso Moloi and Clarke Nkeane — has played a key role in her development.
Based in Orange Farm, Mkhwanazi is not only representing her school and club but is also emerging as a source of pride for the local community.
Her progress highlights the growing impact of local development programmes in creating opportunities for young athletes to compete at the highest level.
With continued support and dedication, Mkhwanazi is one of many young talents showing that Orange Farm can produce athletes capable of competing on the national stage.
