Commonwealth Medalist Returns Home To Rousing KZN Reception
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Zakithi Nene received a hero’s welcome at King Shaka International Airport on Wednesday, where he was greeted by senior officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZN DSAC) and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), as well as supporters, family members and his coaching staff.
The Ladysmith sprinter returned with Team South Africa after claiming bronze in the men’s 400m final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 1 August, clocking 45.21 seconds.
Nene could not match his personal best in the 400m, which was 44.35 seconds, set at the 2023 Resisprint International in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
KZN DSAC has played a key role in Nene’s development, with the sprinter among the elite athletes supported through the department’s Elite Athlete Development Programme (EADP).
Human Performance Institute in Durban, which runs the operational side of the KZN EADP, highlights the specific sport science and conditioning backing behind Nene’s success.
Nene is also the reigning KZN Sportsman of the Year, an accolade that included the presentation of a brand-new car.
He was welcomed with loud applause and cheers as supporters celebrated his achievement. According to KZNA, the reception was held to honour an athlete who continues to fly both the KwaZulu-Natal and South African flags high on the international stage.
