More than 2 000 people. One global cause. One unforgettable experience. Students from the North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently joined the powerful movement of the Wings for Life World Run, where strangers became family, barriers were broken, and every step taken carried a message of hope for spinal cord injury research.

What began as a wellness initiative soon became a deeply emotional and inspiring journey for the students who participated. Surrounded by runners, walkers, wheelchair participants, and supporters from different backgrounds and communities, students experienced first-hand the power of unity, resilience, and human connection.

For many students, one particular moment captured the true spirit of the event – watching a woman in a wheelchair pushing herself uphill, while the crowd around her cheered her on with unwavering support and admiration.In that moment, the run became more than just a race. It became a powerful reminder that strength is not measured by physical ability, but by determination, courage, and the refusal to give up.

The initiative was led by Philasande Mbhele, a 22-year-old third-year Education student majoring in Business Studies at the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus. Mbhele currently serves as Oryx vice primarius and was recently crowned Mr Culture and 2nd Prince in the 2026 Mr and Miss Campus competition.

Known for his vibrant leadership and passion for student empowerment, Mbhele has consistently created initiatives aimed at uplifting students socially, creatively, and professionally. During his term as Oryx arts and culture officer for 2024/25, he introduced projects such as Brotherhood Talk, Board of Fame, and the Monetising Your Talent Workshop, all aimed at empowering students and recognising student excellence.

Driven by his passion for wellness and community engagement, Mbhele began hosting student runs around Bedworth Park, where he noticed growing student interest in fitness and healthy living. This inspired the idea of taking students to participate in the Wings for Life World Run.

“I wanted students to experience something bigger than themselves,” said Mbhele. “This was not only about fitness, but also about exposing students to a global movement that promotes inclusivity, wellness, and hope.”

According to Mbhele, the atmosphere at the event was filled with positivity, encouragement, and inspiration. For many students, the experience became life-changing. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take part in such a significant international event while also learning valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, discipline, and appreciation for life. Students also took pride in representing the NWU on an international platform dedicated to making a difference in society.

“Seeing people from different countries, races, ages, and physical conditions supporting one another reminded us that we are all connected through humanity,” Mbhele reflected.

Despite the success of the initiative, organising the trip came with challenges. One of the major obstacles involved securing financial assistance for students who were passionate about participating but could not afford registration costs. Coordinating transport and ensuring everything ran smoothly also required extensive planning and teamwork.

Mbhele acknowledged the crucial role played by sponsors and stakeholders in making the initiative successful.

“The support from sponsors and stakeholders was extremely important because it gave students an opportunity they may never have experienced otherwise,” he said.

Chris Williams, Vanderbijlpark Student Life director, whose office sponsored the initiative, said the programme reflects the commitment of the university to student development beyond the classroom.

“This initiative speaks directly to our vision of holistic student development. When students are exposed to global platforms like the Wings for Life World Run, they grow not only physically, but emotionally and socially as well,” said Williams.

The success of the event has already inspired future wellness and awareness initiatives at the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus. Among Mbhele’s upcoming plans is a GBV Awareness Run from Bedworth Park to the campus, ending at Tsebonokeng Hall, where guest speakers will engage students on issues surrounding gender-based violence.

“The goal is to create a culture where students actively stand for wellness, unity, and positive social change,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Mbhele hopes to continue creating initiatives that empower students mentally, physically, and socially while encouraging young people to use their passions to positively impact society. For the students who participated, the Wings for Life World Run became more than an event.

“It became a reminder that when people come together with purpose, hope becomes stronger, barriers begin to fall, and ordinary individuals can become part of something extraordinary,” said Nosipho Nkosi, one of the participants.