One-legged walker inspires South Africans
Mqondisi Ntshangase's journey is a call for safer communities, better recreational facilities and a more inclusive South Africa.
Pushing a heavily laden trolley on one leg, endurance walker Mqondisi Ntshangase is capturing South Africans’ hearts as his extraordinary 5 000km journey across nine provinces gains momentum.
Passing through the lower South Coast on his way to Scottburgh, Ntshangase was welcomed by hooting motorists, cheering residents, and roadside applause.
His One-Legged Walk is about more than endurance. The campaign aims to challenge disability stigma, advocate for safe recreational spaces for children and call for the development and maintenance of community sports facilities.
The 5 000km trek highlights the deteriorating state of infrastructure, particularly vandalised and abandoned sports facilities that leave children and young people without safe places to play and develop their sporting talents.
“Children in our townships and rural communities deserve safe spaces to play, grow and develop through sport,” said Ntshangase.
“When we allow facilities to fall into ruin, we steal their future. At the same time, our society continuously overlooks persons with disabilities. I am walking to prove that physical differences do not mean lack of capability, and to call for inclusive sports and community programmes that accommodate everyone.”
During his journey through the South Coast, Ntshangase received a warm welcome at Hibiscus Hospital Scottburgh, where the clinical team provided medical monitoring at no cost.
Recognising the physical demands of his expedition, hospital staff conducted health checks, including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, blood oxygen saturation and blood sugar levels. All readings were reported to be within healthy ranges.
The hospital also presented him with health and nutrition essentials to help sustain his energy as he continues his gruelling journey.
With thousands of kilometres still ahead, Ntshangase is calling on South Africans to support his mission.
When you see him pushing his trolley along the highway, give him a cheer or hoot in encouragement.
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