<span>'King of horses' Enos Mafokate dies</span> <span><span>Nokuthula Khanyile</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-09-03T07:05:00+02:00" title="Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 07:05">Thu, 09/03/2026 - 07:05</time> </span> <div class="banner_media_image" > <div class="media paragraph--view-mode-banner"> <div> <div class="image_photographer_label"></div> <div class="media-item" ><div> <div class="image" > <div > <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/pu
<span>'King of horses' Enos Mafokate dies</span> <span><span>Nokuthula Khanyile</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-09-03T07:05:00+02:00" title="Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 07:05">Thu, 09/03/2026 - 07:05</time> </span>
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<img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/2026-09/000071210.jpg.webp?itok=_xZW96kf 1x" width="940" height="529" class="image" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/2026-09/000071210.jpg.webp?itok=_xZW96kf 1x" src="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/2026-09/000071210.jpg.webp?itok=_xZW96kf" alt="Enos Mafokate, the first black showjumper in South Africa, with one of his horses. Simphiwe Mbokazi/Gallo Images" />
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<img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/2026-09/000071210.jpg.webp?itok=_xZW96kf 1x" width="940" height="529" class="image" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/2026-09/000071210.jpg.webp?itok=_xZW96kf 1x" src="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/2026-09/000071210.jpg.webp?itok=_xZW96kf" alt="Enos Mafokate, the first black showjumper in South Africa, with one of his horses. Simphiwe Mbokazi/Gallo Images" />
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<div class="text-long"><p>JOHANNESBURG - Enos Mafokate, the pioneering horseman who became South Africa’s first Black showjumper and competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, has died aged 80.</p><p>Mafokate broke barriers in the traditionally elite sport after starting his career as a stable hand. He went on to become a trailblazer in South African equestrian sport and an inspiration to generations of young riders.</p><p>In 2007, he realised a lifelong dream when he opened an equestrian centre in Soweto, the first facility of its kind in the township.</p><p>The Equestrian Foundation has since become a training ground for young riders, with more than 60 children learning to ride and compete on 20 horses and ponies.</p><p>Mafokate’s death was confirmed by his son, musician Arthur Mafokate.</p><p>In a statement, the family said they were “deeply saddened” by his passing while celebrating the life he lived and the legacy he built.</p><p>“We are deeply saddened by his passing and immensely proud of the extraordinary life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. His legacy will live on,” the family said.</p></div>
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