World · Africa · 10 hrs ago
Enos Mafokate’s Soweto riding school carries on his legacy
Enos Mafokate became South Africa’s first Black showjumper in 1975, during apartheid, when racial segregation restricted Black people’s opportunities.
He began as a stable hand and later competed as a professional rider in a sport long dominated by white people.
In 1992, he represented South Africa at the Barcelona Olympics as a sports ambassador after the country’s return to international competition.
In 2006, he founded the Soweto Equestrian Centre to give young Black riders access to horse riding, which many could not afford.
The centre in Soweto has become a community institution and is described as the world’s only township-based equestrian centre.
Mafokate died in Johannesburg at age 80 in September 2026, but young riders continue to train at the school.
Its work matters because racial inequality in South African sport has not ended, even after apartheid was dismantled.
Enos Mafokate, South Africa’s first Black showjumper, died in Johannesburg in September 2026 at the age of 80.
The Soweto Equestrian Centre he founded continues to give young Black riders access to horse riding.
Mafokate became South Africa’s first Black showjumper in 1975, despite apartheid-era racial barriers.
He attended the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona as a sports ambassador for South Africa.
The centre, founded in 2006, remains the world’s only township-based equestrian centre.
- Who
- Enos Mafokate, South Africa’s first Black showjumper, and the Soweto Equestrian Centre he founded.
- What
- The centre continues his legacy by opening horse riding to young people who might not otherwise have access.
- When
- Mafokate died in September 2026, aged 80. He founded the centre in 2006.
- Where
- Johannesburg, where Mafokate died, and Soweto, where the centre is based.
- Why
- Mafokate founded the centre to improve welfare in Soweto and give young Black riders access to horse riding.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mafokate became South Africa’s first Black showjumper.
He attended the Olympic Games in Barcelona as a sports ambassador for South Africa.
Mafokate founded the non-profit Soweto Equestrian Centre.
Mafokate died in Johannesburg at the age of 80.
- First Black showjumper
- Enos Mafokate
- Became a showjumper
- 1975
- Olympic Games
- Barcelona, 1992
- Soweto Equestrian Centre founded
- 2006
- Mafokate’s death
- Johannesburg, September 2026; aged 80