Bergville athletics star Sibongakonke Makhaza came home this afternoon (July 22) to a hero’s welcome from both Woodford Primary School and Ekwaluseni High School.

This after the 19-year-old won two silver medals at the third edition of the U/18-U/20 African Athletics Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Makhaza’s individual medal was for the second position he achieved in the 200m junior men’s final.

He wasn’t done yet though, as he also took part in the 4×400 junior men’s relay. It was another second place finish, taking his silver medal tally to two.

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When Makhaza arrived back today, everything came to a standstill in the streets of Bergville as a convoy went on parade through the CBD in honour of his achievements.

Proud and smiling Bergville residents cheered madly to welcome their local hero.

The warm welcome continued in the Woodford area, where learners and teachers from both Woodford Primary and Ekwaluseni High School welcomed him with pride and joy.

Read the next edition of the Ladysmith Gazette for an in-depth story.

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