Young Athlete’s Zimbabwe Trip Saved With Help From Local Businesses

For 17-year-old Gugulethu Thanjekwayo, what began as a dream opportunity to represent South Africa in Zimbabwe briefly turned into a source of anxiety.

The Nkangala Athletics Academy middle-distance runner had earned his place in the South African team for the 2026 Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games, but uncertainty over funding left his participation in doubt.

That uncertainty has now been resolved, with Thanjekwayo already in Zimbabwe as part of Team South Africa after Nkangala Athletics Academy secured financial assistance from four companies supporting the club.

Academy chairperson Emmanuel Mabaso told SizaNazo365 that the situation arose after the academy received communication indicating that South African Schools Athletics (SASA) was struggling to secure funding for the national team.

Thanjekwayo subsequently forwarded the communication to Mabaso, who began contacting the relevant parties to establish what was happening.

The academy was later informed that athletes would have to cover approximately R8,500 each for costs including clothing, transport and accommodation.

Mabaso said the academy then approached its regular donors for assistance.

“We managed to get some assistance from our usual donors who support Nkangala Athletics Academy,” Mabaso said.

Four companies ultimately came forward to help: Emalahleni Crematorium, Blue Mining Services, Solar Mining Services and Daal Multi Solutions.

Their support ensured that Thanjekwayo could travel to Zimbabwe and take his place among the South African athletes competing at the regional championships.

‘The athlete has to focus on seeking funds’

While Mabaso is grateful to the businesses that stepped in, the experience has left him questioning the way athletes’ participation in major championships is funded.

The academy was already raising money for its athletes who qualified for the South African Cross Country Championships, taking place this Saturday at Curro Hazeldean High School in Pretoria, with about 24 runners set to represent Mpumalanga.

Mabaso said Thanjekwayo’s requirements were added to the academy’s fundraising efforts.

His frustration stems from the fact that grassroots clubs invest throughout the season to help athletes reach the standards required to qualify for provincial and national competitions.

“We work hard throughout the year, spending money to assist athletes in achieving the qualification standards,” Mabaso said.

“Then, when they need to represent South Africa or the province, we have to dig deep again to fund their travelling or whatever is required.”

For Mabaso, the problem is not simply the financial burden placed on the academy. He believes the uncertainty can also affect athletes mentally at a crucial stage of their preparation.

“This is discouraging because instead of the athlete focusing and preparing for the championship, they have to focus on seeking funds,” he said.

“The excitement becomes low, they become stressed, and it takes a toll on their preparations.”

Gugulethu Thanjekwayo’s Zimbabwe Trip Was Saved With Help From Local Businesses (Image: Nkangala Athletics Academy/ Facebook)

Despite the disruption, Thanjekwayo’s long-awaited opportunity has gone ahead.

The Grade 11 learner from Kwazamokuhle Secondary School earned his place in the national team after an impressive season that included a silver medal in the boys’ 3 000m at the South African Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships.

He is also the reigning Mpumalanga Under-17 champion in the 1 500m, 3 000m and 6km cross-country events.

His selection for the COSSASA Games represents another significant milestone in the young athlete’s development, who is now among the young athletes representing the country at the annual regional sports championships for school-aged athletes from Southern African.

For Mabaso, the intervention from the four companies ultimately meant that a funding obstacle did not prevent a young athlete from taking advantage of an opportunity he had earned on the track.

“We are grateful for the assistance,” he said.

With the financial hurdle behind him, Thanjekwayo can now concentrate on what he set out to do in the first place: competing for South Africa on the international stage.