LIMPOPO – Gr 7 Phalaborwa Primary School (Red School) learner Bonga Mathebula will represent Limpopo at the South African Schools Swimming Championship in Bloemfontein in April.

He was selected during the provincial trials in Tzaneen in February. This is not the first time he has represented the province, last year he represented Limpopo in Port Elizabeth.

He told the Herald that he is thrilled that all his hard work has paid off.

“I have to give a huge thank you to my coach Suné Smit who has guided me every step of the way. I also want to thank my swimming mate, Marlie Kotze, for pushing me to be my best and for providing healthy competition at practice.  My biggest thank you goes to my mom who has been my rock and my support,” he said.

In 2022 when Bonga was 9 years old he helped save the life of a 14-year-old boy who nearly drowned at a swimming pool in Letsitele.

Virginia Mathebula told the Herald she is proud and happy for her son.

“Bonga works hard and gives his best in everything he does. It is an honour and blessing for my son to be part of the Limpopo schools team 2025 and I wish him nothing but the best for his upcoming championship. Bonga loves sports, he is also in the first rugby team, plays hockey and does cross-country,” she said.