Known by his clan name ‘Mageba’, speedster Simphiwe Zulu has a running career spanning over 30 years. Once a basketball player at school and a good one at that, he was introduced to running by his PE teacher, who entered him into a 10km race which he went on to win. And from there, Zulu found his calling and never looked back.
Born in eNquthu in the village of Ndindidi Ediphini, Zulu is known for his competitive pedigree in the shorter distances mostly seen taking the race to the younger guys in the 10km distances where he has had a lot of success and podium finishes. One would assume that it is favourite distance to run “I can say it’s my favourite distance, although it doesn’t stop me from running other distances,” said Zulu.
Joining Hollywood Athletics Club in 2016 Zulu had represented numerous clubs before deciding to be become part of the Purple Family. He’s previously run for club’s like, Groove A.C., Verulam Falcons A.C., Savages A.C., Mr. Price A.C., Born 2 Run A.C. and Fast Feet A.C. “I joined Hollywood AC, because they were focusing more with development of athletes in KZN, not just an athlete to run for the club, they presented a family dynamic” shared Zulu.
Aged 47 Zulu is still going strong and is not showing signs of letting up – evidenced by his transition to the full Marathon where he has participated in five races so far and holds a personal best of 02:30. Which is pretty impressive at that age, this time comes from his incredible participation in the shorter distances, where he holds several provincial titles in the 5km, 10km and 21km distances and cross country where he holds national records.
To transition into a Marathon is no easy feat, we have gone to see the likes of Sebastian Sawe debut in Marathons and win. But age also counts and the investment and support into your running. Zulu contributes his transition and running the Marathon to the amazing support he gets from his family and the people around the running community together with the Hollywood Athletics Club.
With the transition to the Marathon many wonder if we will we see Zulu running Two Oceans or the Comrades Marathon soon? “I would love to one day, but for now, I need discipline, I need to learn how to run slower for the longer distances,” said the speedster. Running is an expensive sport from running attire to smart watches and diets which is what is needed for a successful run of any distance to be a success and to achieve any set goals.
Zulu holds a level one coaching certificate from Athletics South Africa, a starting point in his journey to training and developing athletes within KZN. When asked about perusing coaching in the future Zulu replied with excitement “Yes, of course that is one of my long-term goals to be a coach for both elites and assist in the development of young athletes.” Joining Hollywood AC in 2016 and seeing the development of athletes is something he can take on and add to his coaching journey. Being a father to two boys and a one girl, he has the nurturing abilities to develop and help runners grow. Also, his wealth of experience is a plus for any athlete that will be under his wing in the future.
On and off the road Zulu has shown good sportsmanship and is a true gentleman, a man who is always smiling and willing to assist where he can, and that has also led to him getting numerous awards from his club, he was named KZN Best Male Athlete of the Year in annual Hollywood Athletics Club Awards of 2024 and many more. He has also been given the opportunity to captain the seconding team at Comrades – with athletes in this team going on to earn gold medals, which he highlights as a standout moment for him as an Hollywood AC elite.
Age is just a number indeed at 47 Zulu is not showing any signs of hanging up his running shoes. “I’m still running and I don’t see anything stopping me right now,” he concluded.
