Michael van der Merwe leads the business with a runner's eye
Michael van der Merwe is the Managing Director and the person who keeps the bigger picture on track. He has been involved in the business since 2012, and his focus is simple: make sure every waist belt does the job properly on race day, in training and out on the trails. He pays close attention to fit, comfort and storage because those are the details runners notice first.
He also works closely with clubs and event organisers who need reliable supply for large groups. Michael understands that trail races, road races and corporate events all come with different timing, budget and sizing needs, so he keeps the process practical from first enquiry to final dispatch.
Product development starts with Ayanda Ndlovu
Ayanda Ndlovu leads product development and is often the one asking how a waist belt can carry more without bouncing or rubbing. Her work is hands-on and based on what runners actually use on course, whether that means hydration, keys, gels, a timing chip or a small phone. She looks at materials, placement and fit so the belt works in warm weather, coastal humidity and the sort of long training runs people do before big events.
She also helps refine custom colour runs and event-specific requests. If a club wants a particular look or if a race organiser needs a certain setup for participants, Ayanda helps shape the right solution without adding unnecessary complexity.
Leandri Botha keeps orders clear and events organised
Leandri Botha is the Sales and Events Coordinator, and she is usually the person turning a general enquiry into a workable order plan. She handles the details that matter when you are ordering for a single club, a training group or a full race field. That includes participant sizing, order timing, and making sure the right quantities are ready when they need to be.
She also supports event planning for organisers who want waist belt supply linked to race packs or registration windows. Leandri keeps communication clear and practical, which helps avoid last-minute confusion when a race weekend gets busy.
Sibusiso Khumalo manages production with steady attention to detail
Sibusiso Khumalo is the Production Supervisor and the person behind the day-to-day making of the product. He focuses on consistency, strong finishing and keeping each belt ready for active use. That matters when runners are heading out on gravel roads, mountain trails or early morning road sessions where small faults quickly become a problem.
He works to keep output steady for both small and larger orders, and he is careful about quality checks before items move on to dispatch. In production, timing matters just as much as workmanship, especially when multiple events are running in the same week.
Zanele Petersen handles support with a calm, practical approach
Zanele Petersen leads Customer Support and is often the first point of contact once a runner or organiser has a question. She helps with fit queries, order updates and general product guidance, so customers know what to expect before they commit. That can be especially useful for first-time buyers who are not sure how much they want to carry on a long run.
Her approach is straightforward. She listens, clarifies what is needed, and makes sure the next step is clear. For repeat customers and clubs, that kind of support saves time and keeps ordering simple.
Jaco Visser gets the right stock to the right place
Jaco Visser is the Logistics and Dispatch Manager, responsible for getting orders out of the Stellenbosch base and onto the road. He works across South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, George, Paarl, Somerset West and Bellville, and he keeps delivery planning realistic around lead times, event dates and stock levels.
He knows that organisers need predictable dispatch, especially when they are dealing with packet collection, race day set-up or courier windows. When things are busy, Jaco makes sure the handover is tidy and the order reaches its destination in good condition, not bent or left waiting around.
- Dispatch coordination for clubs, schools and race organisers
- Repeat order support for regular event schedules
- Crew belt kits and race pack insert planning
- Logistics for orders going to multiple towns at once
How the team works together for runners and events
Waistbag Run works best because each person knows their part of the process and how it affects the next step. Michael sets the direction, Ayanda shapes the product, Leandri keeps orders moving, Sibusiso maintains production, Zanele supports customers and Jaco gets everything dispatched on time. That kind of coordination matters when a local club needs a bulk order in Stellenbosch or when a race organiser in Durban wants sizing sorted before entries close.
The team is built for practical support, not fuss. Whether you are preparing for a marathon, organising a trail race, or setting up belts for a group of participants, the people behind the work know how to keep it organised and workable.
- Enquiry handling through the contact page form
- Advice for hydration layout and product fit
- Support for custom colour runs and participant sizing
- Service for road runners, trail runners and event crews