The Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality mayor, Merriam Malatji welcomed the Namakgale born Ranti Marvin Dikgale, who recently represented South Africa in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The ceremonial welcome was held at mayor’s parlour on Monday, August 16. The 34-year-old Dikgale, who was born and bred in Namakgale, returned to South Africa from Tokyo on Monday, August 9.

Dikgale is a former learner at Sebalamakgolo High School and a product school sport in Phalaborwa. He represented team South Africa in the 4 x 400m relay. The team didn’t qualify for the final of the event. Malatji congratulated Dikgale for representing the town.

“It was not you who were there but the whole of Phalaborwa. You are doing this at a time when we needed motivation.“We appreciate your hard work and encourage you to continue to be a role model to our youth. You are showing our youth that all is possible no matter where you come from,” she said.

ALSO READ:  Van der Linde, Young on podium in dramatic racing weekend

The mayor committed herself to assist Ranti with sports gear and other logistical needs. Dikgale thanked the mayor for helping him realise his dreams. “I used to struggle with accommodation, running shoes and transport but now this help from the mayor will help me to focus on my career,” he said.

The mayor further announced that Mashishimale Sports Ground is complete and is expected to be officially opened soon. “We also would like to announce that we are busy renovating Namakgale Stadium while Selwane Stadium is almost complete.”

“This is an integral part of re-igniting sport and recreational development in Phalaborwa,” the mayor added. The ceremonial welcome was also attended by Hulisani Nemaxwi from Foskor Mine.