Adding a twist to her second bungee off Africa’s highest jump, the iconic Bloukrans Bridge recently, adrenalin-fuelled teen Alexander Gayapursat gave it a go backwards.

Describing the experience as exhilarating and heart-racing, the 18 year old recommends it as a true bucketlist adventure.

The former Richards Bay resident, now living in Gqeberha, has shown remarkable courage and resilience after surviving a life-threatening illness.

In 2023, she was diagnosed with lymphocytic myocarditis, a rare inflammation of the heart, which led to cardiac arrest, multiple organ failure and months in intensive care.

Despite every effort to save her limbs, Alex underwent a double lower-leg amputation in February 2024, followed later by the amputation of a finger on her left hand.

Her courage and determination to not just overcome, but conquer, saw Alex named as a Tributes Excellence Awards winner in 2025.

Recognised as the youngest recipient, she won the Inspiring Girl Child category for her resilience and adventurous spirit following her amputations.

For Alex, this year has been filled with incredible opportunities, meaningful connections and adventures that she said challenged, inspired and reminded her that life is about embracing every moment.

Drawing strength from her faith, family and determination, she has embraced her second chance at life with extraordinary optimism.

Fitted with her prosthetic legs in 2025, Alex became the first double amputee to jump the Bloukrans Bungee.

Keeping up the momentum, she has immersed herself in her online schooling, with physics keeping her on her toes.

One of her biggest milestones this year was getting her driver’s licence in April.

“The best drives are when I get to take my grandpas for scenic drives along the beach; us cruising, listening to Jim Reeves or Believe by Cher,” she says.

Another highlight this year is when she went skydiving for her 18th birthday.

“For those few moments in the sky, all my worries disappeared and I experienced a sense of freedom unlike anything I had ever felt before.

“It was an unforgettable reminder that sometimes the most incredible moments happen when you take the biggest leap.”

Highlights

Alex recently had the honour of being guest speaker at a children’s event.

“At first, many of the children looked at me with confusion, almost as if I were half human and half robot!

“Some were even too afraid to touch my legs, but as I shared my story and spent time with them, I watched their fear slowly fade.

“In its place came curiosity, smiles, and the courage to reach out.

“Seeing that change unfold right before my eyes was incredibly moving.

“Knowing I could help replace fear with understanding and bravery truly warmed my heart. It’s a moment I will carry with me for a long time.”

Looking ahead

Alex is honoured to be guest speaker at The Pink Affair, taking place in Gqeberha on 22 August.

The event celebrates women and their achievements in every sphere of life, while raising funds for NPOs that make a meaningful difference in society. She is also excited about attending the matric dance with her friends as they celebrate their final year at school.

“This occasion is especially meaningful to me because, had life unfolded differently, I would have been in Grade 12 alongside them,” she says.

“The fact that my friends – my chosen family – wanted me to share in such an important milestone at Theodor Herzl means more than words can express.

“Their love and support remind me that, although my journey has taken a different path, I have never had to walk it alone.”

As Alex wishes all the ladies a happy Women’s Month, her advice is simple: Eat cake, have fun, live life, be good, be kind, love God and, most importantly, just be you because no one can be better than you, except you.

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