Thapelo Molefe
Olympic silver medalist Bayanda Walaza received a hero’s welcome at Curro Hazeldean High School on Thursday, following his impressive performance at the Paris Olympics.
The 18-year-old was welcomed with a guard of honour, and drapings of the South African flags, as he entered the school hall during assembly.
Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube and Walaza’s mother, Tholiwe Walaza, attended the emotional ceremony, where Walaza was presented with his silver medal. The school sang the national anthem to cap off the celebration.
Gwarube said it was a privilege to hand over the medal to Walaza’s mother, “the wind beneath Walaza’s wings”.
Walaza’s mother said that her son had to overcome the tragic death of his father, who was shot when he was just 10-years-old.
“He experienced all that. After that, it was tough, but God, counselling, and our family’s strong support system helped him recover,” she said.
Walaza was part of the men’s 4x100m relay team that finished second behind Canada at the Paris Olympics.
His mother described watching the final as an “emotional moment” and expressed pride in her son’s achievement.
Walaza’s return to South Africa on Tuesday was met with an incredible reception at OR Tambo Airport, where he was greeted by Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie and a cheering crowd.
His mother described the moment as “unbelievable” and expressed pride in her son’s success.
“The moment the Minister of Sport McKenzie stood there – when I saw him chanting ‘Walaza! Walaza!’, I didn’t believe it. This is my son; I raised such a wonderful young star. I was so happy. Somebody called me and said, ‘Wake up!’. I was numb,” she said.
Bayanda Walaza’s story is an inspiration to many, that with determination and support, anything is possible, even in the face of adversity.
INSIDE EDUCATION
