Son Grieves Pioneer Father, Regrets Unrecorded Stories of Equestrian Legacy

Arthur Mafokate says he still had questions he wanted to ask his father. There were stories he wanted recorded in Enos Mafokate’s own voice, a documentary they never quite found the time to make, a podcast conversation that never happened. “But most importantly, I would tell him that I am proud to be his son,” Arthur said.

Enos Mafokate, the pioneering South African equestrian who broke racial barriers in a sport largely closed to black people during apartheid, died on Thursday. His family remembers him not only as a rider but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and mentor whose life taught lessons that extended far beyond competition.

Born on 15 February 1944 in Alexandra, northeast of Johannesburg, Mafokate developed a love for horses from a young age. He began as a groom, entering an equestrian world where black people were expected to remain in supporting roles rather than become riders themselves. The Fédération Equestre Internationale records that he started learning to ride around 1962 while working for show jumper Lesley Taylor. Over time, he worked with Tony Lewis and Anneli and Errol Wucherpfennig, with Wucherpfennig helping him become the first black rider registered with the Transvaal Horse Society.

Competition proved difficult. Mafokate faced denial of entry to some shows and resistance from competitors and spectators when he placed or won classes. He persisted regardless, finishing second in the Rothmans Derby in 1976 and winning championships at the Constantia Show Grounds in 1977 and 1978. He recorded victories at other major events, including the Sandton Derby.

A turning point came in 1980 when British rider David Broome saw Mafokate riding in a groom’s class and questioned why he was not competing in regular classes. Broome helped open the way for Mafokate to travel to Britain to ride and train. He became the first black South African to compete internationally and the first rider of any race to compete internationally in more than two decades. At the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley, he finished fifth out of 31 riders and won at the Midlands show, where he later received a standing ovation from a crowd of approximately 65,000 people.

For Mafokate, that trip held profound significance. At a time when apartheid restricted the movement and opportunities of black South Africans, competing in Britain placed him on an international stage that had largely been closed to riders from his community. Yet his progress had begun long before that moment. Working as a groom gave him access to horses and the chance to learn from established riders, but becoming a competitor required him to move beyond a role largely defined for black people in the equestrian world. That transition came at personal cost. He had to continue proving that he belonged in competition even when his results had already demonstrated his ability.

His sons Arthur and Kabelo understood that the public achievements told only part of the story. Arthur said much of what he became outside his professional life came from watching his father and learning from the way he lived. He learnt humility, respect, discipline, hard work and perseverance, as well as the importance of helping others, staying rooted in the community and nurturing talent. “His life itself was the lesson,” Arthur said.

His father’s experience also taught Arthur that overcoming barriers should not end with personal achievement. Once a person has been given an opportunity, Arthur reflected, they should use it to create opportunities for others.

That principle became increasingly visible in Mafokate’s work with young people. In 1992, when South Africa returned to the Olympic Games in Barcelona after years of international sporting isolation, Mafokate accompanied the delegation as a sports ambassador and served on the country’s development team. His involvement reflected his growing role in South African sport, even though he was not an Olympic competitor himself.

His most enduring work developed through the Soweto Equestrian Centre, which became central to his later life and his belief that access to horses should not be determined by where a child was born or how much money their family had. The centre gave young people opportunities to learn to ride and care for horses while promoting discipline, responsibility and perseverance. It also worked with children living with disabilities and promoted better horse welfare in township communities. Young people were taught not only how to ride but also how to groom, tack up and care for horses. Students went on to represent South Africa at international level in disciplines including showjumping and vaulting.

Kabelo Mafokate, who was also his father’s personal trainer and showjumping coach, described him as one of the most selfless people he had known. Kabelo said his father could engage with people of different ages and backgrounds and meet them at their level. “He taught me perseverance,” Kabelo said. “Never give up. Keep pushing until you reach your goals and fulfil God’s will.”

Meanwhile, Arthur said he hoped his father would be remembered for what he did beyond competition. Mafokate continued working with young people and nurturing talent after establishing himself in the sport. His contributions were recognised with awards including the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Sport Awards and the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.

For his family, his greatest achievements were not necessarily those that came with trophies.

Professor Ian Sanne, president of the South African Equestrian Federation, described Mafokate’s contribution as “historic, transformative and deeply personal.” Sanne said Mafokate was not simply a successful rider but a pioneer who challenged racial and social barriers and changed perceptions of who could ride, compete and belong in South African equestrian sport. His significance lay not only in what he achieved himself, Sanne said, but in the people who followed him. “Enos did not simply enter South African equestrian sport,” Sanne said. “He helped change its course.”

Mafokate’s legacy is reflected in the riders he inspired and the young people who found a place in a sport from which people like him were once largely excluded. The documentary was never made. The podcast conversation never happened. What remains is the centre in Soweto, the riders it produced, and the question of how many more might follow.