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After realising that his once-flourishing music career was floundering as a result of drug abuse, kwaito star Kabelo Mabalane repented and joined a rehabilitation programme.
As part of his recovery, the musician became a born-again Christian. He also began participating in road races, including several Comrades Marathons, to keep himself occupied and away from drug peddlers.
Another uplifting story of challenges overcome concerns amputee runner Xolani Luvuno, who completed the 93rd edition of the gruelling race last week – all 90km – on crutches. Looking at his condition, I was sceptical about his ability to run alongside able-bodied athletes.
But a closer look at Luvuno’s life tells of his spirit of defiance. He once found himself on the wrong side of the law, ostracised by his family. He was then diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have his leg amputated in 2010.
Dismayed by his situation, Luvuno became addicted to drugs. His life changed when a Good Samaritan rescued him and he began running. Luvuno is a shining example of the human drive to rise above adversity and fight against all odds.
In addition to his circumstantial battles, he fought off self-pity and isolation. By becoming one of the few to survive and beat his nyaope addiction, Luvuno is a role model and an inspiration not only to the running world, but to addicts as well.
I first met Luvuno in April during the Irene ultra-marathon. He was oozing confidence that day, determined to complete the 48km race. I spotted him at one of the water stations taking a short break. For a few seconds he was dancing to the loud music that was playing. I was intrigued and approached him for a selfie with him. However, my request was rebuffed and Luvuno just waved, saying: “Ndizakubona mfondini (We will meet).”
His passion, perseverance and desire were all directed at reaching the finish line. That was his goal. I was incredulous at how an amputee could dance with such verve and despite seeing his eagerness to complete the race, I doubted he would. After being snubbed, I made it a point to start “stalking” him on all social-media platforms.
Luvuno is all about having life goals. Prior to the 2018 Comrades Marathon, I continued “stalking” him. As luck would have it, he was interviewed on one of the sports channels on TV. Luvuno was sharing his story.
Like many of South Africa’s intransigent youths, Luvuno was raised in a stable environment but fell in with bad company, which contributed to his downfall. These days, he told viewers, his passion for running was his new drug. The 34-year-old said running a 90km race and reaching the finish line was a rare personal milestone for him.
Luvuno is a beacon of hope for South Africans, especially for those suffering from cancer and drug addiction. If he can overcome his challenges, others can do it too. As Scott Hamilton, a US figure skater who beat childhood illness to become an Olympic gold medallist, says: “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
While the highlights of last weekend included Bongumusa Mthembu winning the Comrades and Siya Kolisi captaining the Springboks to victory over England, I am of the opinion that we also need to revel in Luvuno’s achievement.
As we celebrate Fathers’ Day today, it is fitting to acknowledge, and celebrate, the magnanimity of Luvuno’s adoptive father, Hein Venter, who steered and supported his struggle out of drugs and into positivity, to his well-earned life of stardom today.
Mogotlane works for one of the government departments and is writing in his own personal capacity.
