Conditions at the ongoing 2026 African Athletics Championships have improved following initial complaints regarding food and lodging, according to South African athlete Marlie Viljoen.
The update follows criticisms raised on Tuesday by her teammate, Aiden Smith, who condemned the accommodation standards and the rationing of food at the University of Ghana hostel. The complaints prompted South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to issue a statement clarifying that alternative accommodation was offered, but the athletes opted to remain at the university site.
Viljoen, speaking to Joy Sports on Thursday after competing in the 400m final, noted a significant turnaround in the organization.
“I don’t have a problem with it. It’s the same for everyone. I understand it’s not the best circumstances, but they have improved immensely over the last two days. The food last night was amazing,” Viljoen said. “But you know, this is Africa. We’re all going through the same thing. The circumstances are the same for everyone. So, I just try to cancel that out and get to that start line.”
In addition to the accommodation issues, the first two days of the six-day event at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium were disrupted by technical failures, including a malfunctioning official website that left athletes and journalists without start lists or timely race results.
Logistics stabilized during Thursday’s sessions, with event results appearing on stadium screens shortly after completions. The continental competition is scheduled to run through Sunday.