KDM lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu keeps pushing the limits of ability
Bongani Xulu cuts an inspiring figure - always helpful, happy and full of energy, KDM's lifeguard supervisor is even making waves on the international scene.
The hot weather had no affect on cool and composed KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu as he jetted off to California to judge the world adaptive games for the second time – a competition he described as ‘inspirational’.
More than 80 physically disabled surfers from 27 countries took part in the four day event from December 10 to December 14, with disabilities ranging from blindness to amputees.
South Africa was well represented, coming 6th in the world out of the 27 countries that competed.
Xulu – who lost a leg as a teenager – said judging disabled surfing competitions was a rewarding challenge, but having overcome his own disability helped him immensely.
“You have to not only stick to the criteria given to you but look at the broader picture. You have to think, if you were riding that wave and you were blind, how would you feel? It is amazing how people adapt and overcome their physical challenges.”
The modest Xulu has been judging surfing completions since 2003 and started surfing when he was eight. His passion continued to grow even after his own leg was amputated after a hit and run accident when he was 17.
“I had dreams of becoming a pro surfer and I had already started training to be a lifeguard when I was nine. But I did not let my disability stop me. In fact, I recovered within a few months and after six months I was back in the water competing at provincial competitions.”
Xulu said people can do anything that they put they minds to.
“It is all in your head. When I lost my leg, the biggest challenge was change. Your mind does not change but physically you have to realise you have limits and you have to work to overcome them.”
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