Community spirit enables Ballito athlete Ernest Phungula to reach his world championship dream
Fundraising efforts raise more than R100 000 in only four weeks
In just four weeks the North Coast community has rallied behind Groutville triathlete Ernest Phungula to get him to the World Duathlon Championships in Australia in August.
More than 100 swimmers pitched up for a fundraising swim at Clarke Bay, Thompson’s and Willard beaches on Saturday and raised more than R60 000.
This brought the total raised to R174 000 thanks to additional funds coming in from the Back-a-Buddy initiative and KwaDukuza municipality.
Saturday’s swim was organised by veteran swimmer Mike Oberholzer, who said the day was a huge success.
“We not only raised enough funds to pay for his trip to Australia, but can now also support him to compete in the World Triathlon Championships in Spain in October as well.
“This in only in four weeks. We thank everyone for their incredible support,” said Oberholzer.
Speaking to the Courier before the weekend’s event, Phungula said he hoped that lack of funds would not prevent him from representing his country.
But the 30-year-old athlete was left in disbelief seeing everything coming together in just four weeks.
“It’s amazing, unbelievable. I’m happy and shocked at the same time,” said Phungula.
“I am extremely grateful for everyone who came out to support this initiative and to all those who donated. My deepest gratitude goes to my superintendent Bongani Xulu who spearheaded this campaign, Mike Oberholzer for organising the fundraising swim and to Dene Thompson for starting the BackaBuddy account. I also want thanks to local media, the kind-hearted residents and the business people of KwaDukuza for their generosity,” he said.
Lifeguard superintendent Bongani Xulu said the success of the fundraising drive showed the spirit of Ubuntu still exists among citizens.
“I couldn’t help shedding tears of joy. Dreams still come true.”
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