By South Africa has lost a true sporting titan. Enos Mafokate—affectionately known as “Kgosi ya Dipere” (the King of Horses)—has passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind an indelible legacy that reshaped the equestrian landscape. His passing on Thursday, 3 September 2026, was confirmed by his family.
Mafokate was a trailblazer who courageously shattered racial barriers in a sport dominated by privilege and exclusion during the apartheid era. Beginning his journey as a teenager, he stunned the sporting world in 1962 when, at just 16 years old, he won his first show-jumping competition while competing in work overalls and gumboots.
From those humble beginnings, Mafokate grew into a giant of South African sport. He became the first Black member of the Transvaal Horse Society and, in 1978, made history as the first Black rider in 127 years to compete at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Horse Show. His domestic success included a second-place finish at the 1976 Rothmans Derby and victories at the Constantia Show Grounds in 1977 and 1978.
His exceptional talent caught the eye of legendary British show-jumper David Broome, paving the way for Mafokate to compete internationally, including a remarkable fifth-place finish at the Royal International Horse Show in Britain. Later, he represented the nation on the global stage during South Africa’s historic return to the Olympic movement at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
“Ntate Enos Mafokate did not simply ride horses and win competitions; he confronted barriers that told Black South Africans that certain sporting codes and spaces were not meant for them,” said Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile. “He entered an environment in which Black people were largely recognised as grooms rather than competitors and helped change that reality.”
Beyond his individual accolades, Mafokate’s greatest victory was opening doors for future generations. He founded the non-profit Soweto Equestrian Centre, bringing the elite world of horse riding directly into the heart of Soweto. The centre provided a constructive space to keep youth away from crime and drugs, offered therapeutic horse-assisted activities for children living with disabilities, and nurtured young athletes who went on to represent South Africa internationally in vaulting.
His life’s work earned him numerous high honours, including the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award in 2021.
MEC Maile expressed deep condolences to the Mafokate family, the Soweto Equestrian Centre, and the broader sporting fraternity.
South Africa bids farewell to a visionary who proved that excellence can triumph over adversity. May his pioneering spirit continue to ride on through generations. Robala ka khutšo, Kgosi ya Dipere.
