Inspirational PTA amputee runner dies
Luvuno was found dead in his apartment on Monday morning by his mentor Hein Venter.
Tributes have poured in for Pretoria’s well-known amputee marathon runner Xolani Luvuno.
Luvuno was found dead in his apartment on Monday morning by his mentor Hein Venter.
Speaking to Rekord on Wednesday, Venter did not elaborate on the cause of Luvuno’s death but focused on his legacy and what he stood for.
“I don’t want his legacy to be tarnished so I won’t touch on the subject. All I can say is that he died in his sleep at his apartment in Elardus Park in the east of Pretoria,” he said.
Luvuno, who grew up in the Eastern Cape, had his leg was amputated back in 2009 after he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer.
He moved to Durban, then Pretoria in the next few years where he was a beggar and a drug addict.
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In 2016, Venter met a homeless Luvuno near a bridge in Irene, got him off drugs and gave him a job at his perfume company.
A year later, a video emerged on social media which showed the two of them running a local marathon.
The story of Luvuno touched the hearts of many South Africans and saw him became an overnight success.
He became a well-known athlete who competed in the Comrades, Ironman and other races across the country alongside his mentor Hein Venter.
Venter said Luvuno touched many lives and would be remembered for his heart and bravery.
“He appreciated what he had and made most of it.”
In the last four years of his life, he became a hero to many and would often do motivational talks, Venter added.
“He got a second chance in life and he used it; he was living his life to the fullest and was generous, and always full of smiles. I will remember him for his bravery and ability to keep going.”
Heart broken to hear the news that Xolani Luvuno has passed away. His mentor describes him as someone who baked cakes from crumbs.
Xolani’s story has inspired so many people as his life of drugs and being homeless into an athlete that thrived.
Rest in Power #XolaniLuvuno pic.twitter.com/O4dz46F7gM
— X Mayor of Durban (@LuckyGordy) September 21, 2021
Lyttelton police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller confirmed that Luvuyo’s body was found on Monday morning.
“An inquest docket was opened for investigation. Circumstances surrounding the cause of his death are unknown and would be determined by post-mortem report,” he said.
Venter said a memorial service for Luvuno will be held this coming weekend and a funeral is expected to take place in Eastern Cape.
“Rest in Peace, Xolani. You were a son to me, a friend to many, and a hero to all who were inspired by your incredible bravery and appreciated your humility. Your legacy will live on. This ending was all so unnecessary,” Venter said on his Facebook page.
I have real respect for this man. He has bone marrow cancer and is running @TheWallyHayward marathon. WATCH pic.twitter.com/bPE84rcIGX
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 1, 2017
Rest in POWER Champ Xolani Luvuno, my deepest condolences to Hein Venter and his family.
I will never forget you. A legend in our time. pic.twitter.com/0FJnTpYF7i— Thabiso Kobedi (@kobediK) September 20, 2021
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