If anyone had told rising rugby star Ntokozo Makhaza that he would one day be included in the Springbok alignment squad camp, he would have looked at them and laughed. But his hard tackles and sprinting tries have propelled him forward, bringing the incredible possibility of one day wearing the green and gold for South Africa within reach!

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) – Hailing from the small town of Harrismith in the Free State, Ntokozo Makhaza grew up playing a lot of soccer, but that soon changed when he was introduced to rugby in primary school, probably the very best thing to happen to him!

He currently plays for the UCT Ikeys Tigers as a wing and fullback and has recently become one of South Africa’s most exciting young rugby prospects.

Makhaza was for the second time named Player of the Year as well as Backline Player of the Year in the recent Varsity Cup season. But that is just the tip of the iceberg for the young player’s promising career, as he recently was informed that he has been included in the 54-man Springbok alignment camp!

The 23-year-old admitted that receiving the news came as a surprise, and that he couldn’t help but wonder if it was legit. However, once it was confirmed, Makhaza shared that he was nervous and excited for the opportunity to level up his game.

“I was very surprised that I’m part of the camp. A bit nervous, but excited. I’m just happy and motivated to see that people are watching and monitoring varsity rugby. It inspired me to believe more that the dreams I have are possible,” Makhaza tells UCT, where he is a Bachelor of Social Science student.

In another major step in his already impressive rise, Makhaza will also join the Free State Cheetahs in July for the upcoming Currie Cup season, affording him the opportunity to contribute to rebuilding a team that’s investing in youth.

“They’re giving youngsters a chance, and I want to make the most of that,” he says.

“It’s about learning, growing, and giving my best.”

With every opportunity that comes this rugby player’s way, Makhaza’s main focus remains on soaking up everything he can at the Springbok alignment camp, something he never imagined even in his wildest dreams.

“If anyone would say I would be part of the Springbok alignment camp a few years back, or even at the beginning of this year, I would have looked at him and laughed.

“To me, it’s an honour and I’m privileged and humbled. I think it’s been created by the coaches and players because of the opportunity and platform they gave me. I’m humbled and excited for the opportunity,” shares a grateful Makhaza.

Sources: University of Cape Town

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Naor Lombard claimed the honour of being the highest point scorer in the Open Men’s division at the 2025 South African Lifesaving Championships all while defending his title as the Ironman.

Gqeberha, South Africa (25 May 2025) — At just 20-years-old, Naor Lombard has realised a lifelong goal after he earned his place as the highest point scorer in the Open Men’s division at the 2025 South African Lifesaving Championships.

This was a season-best performance for the Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club and National Team athlete, and one that’s come after dedicated training that included a full racing season in Australia.

“Being the highest point scorer has always been a goal of mine,” shared Naor. “I’m stoked with the result—but even more so with how much I’ve improved over the season.”

A standout moment saw Naor defend his title in the premier Ironman event. The Ironman event is notorious for the challenge it presents both physically and mentally.

However, as Naor explains, the real difficulty lies not in the racing but in the training.

Not one to refrain from giving others their flowers, Naor spotlighted the efforts of his Clifton teammates.

“Clifton is like family. The senior boys had this energy that felt electric—we pushed harder for each other, especially in the team events. I was racing even harder for the team than I was individually.”

Other athletes he celebrated included Amica de Jager who recently made an incredible comeback.

“Amica is such a dedicated athlete and a positive person—it’s always special to share a podium with someone like that, especially when we’re representing the same club and sponsor.”

Looking ahead, Naor will continue to navigate life as a student-athlete; undertaking an elite training schedule, part-time work and his studies.

The champ is also gearing up for biggies like the Coolangatta Gold, which also happens to be his favourite event.

His advice to others is wise beyond his years:

“The biggest lessons come from your losses. Review your races. Figure out what went wrong. And always stay clear of distractions. Fun doesn’t have to come at the cost of your goals.”

Sources: Christina Mallion 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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What began as a childhood pastime at the tender age of four has been groomed into a competitive passion for Bulelani Stephen, propelling him to become a professional chess player who is set to make SA very proud.

Johannesburg, South Africa (23 May 2025) – Chess is a game of patience, calculation, pattern recognition, identifying strategic patterns and making sound choices under pressure, often with limited time. It’s not for everyone, but for 16-year-old Bulelani Stephen, it is everything!

He started chess as a leisure sport when he was just four years old, before falling into a competitively driven love with it and has since worked his way up to becoming a professional chess player.

With the help of his school, chess coaches, parents and siblings, chess is no longer just a fun pass time for the Prestige College learner, it is a lifestyle and a career he is steadily pursuing.

This driven board master has obtained national colours since he was 14. He has now, after an impressive run at the South African Junior Closed Chess Championship in Cape Town last month, been presented with the opportunities to represent South Africa this year at the Fide World Cadet Chess Championship, the African Youth Chess Championship and the Commonwealth Chess Championship.

These global chess tournaments are more than just competitions for Bulelani, they are crucial steps toward his ultimate goal of becoming an International Chess Grandmaster someday.

However, one hurdle stands in his way.

“I have to sponsor myself financially for all these events and cannot do it without your help,” he says.

To help fund his audacious chess dreams, Bulelani has launched a BackaBuddy campaign, appealing for support to help him seize these life-changing opportunities.

To support his ascent in the world of chess, visit Bulelani’s crowdfunding page here.

Sources: BackaBuddy

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From the dusty rugby fields of Bloemfontein to the world stage in Sacramento, Rayno Nel has just become the strongest man on Earth… and he did it for South Africa.

South Africa (19 May 2025) – South Africa, we’ve got a new hero. And he just became the strongest man on the planet.

In a historic triumph, 30-year-old Rayno Nel shocked the strongman world on 18 May 2025 in Sacramento. In his very first World’s Strongest Man final, the former rugby star clinched the title by the slimmest of margins, just 0.5 points, edging out defending champion Tom Stoltman. Nel became the first man from outside Europe or North America to win the 48-year-old competition. In the final Atlas Stones event, he loaded his fourth stone mere fractions of a second ahead of his rivals, sealing a 47–46.5 victory in an epic showdown. By standing atop the podium he has become the first WSM winner from South Africa, the continent of Africa and the southern hemisphere.

Nel’s journey to the top was anything but ordinary. Born in Upington and raised in the rugby heartland of Bloemfontein, he played for the Central University of Technology and the Free State Cheetahs. After retiring from rugby in 2019 to work as an electrical engineer, he discovered the sport of strongman. Starting in 2023, he dominated immediately, winning South Africa’s Strongest Man back-to-back and taking Africa’s Strongest Man in 2023 and 2024. He even swept the 2024 Strongman Champions League season, becoming the world series champion.

This rapid rise from local athlete to global contender set the stage for Sacramento… a “rookie turned legend” almost overnight.

At the 2025 finals, Nel stamped his authority early. On Day 1 he won the opening KNAACK Carry & Hoist, and took second place in both the massive 18-inch deadlift and the Hercules Hold. These results gave him a commanding lead (roughly seven points ahead of his nearest rival) going into Day 2. Stoltman fought back with wins in the Sunday events but Nel’s cushion was just enough. The title came down to the final Atlas Stones lift: Nel and Stoltman went head-to-head, stone-for-stone. Nel loaded his final stone a heartbeat faster than the competition, a tiny margin that secured his 47–46.5 victory.

Final standings confirmed the nail-biter: Nel 47.0 points, Stoltman 46.5, Canada’s Mitchell Hooper 43.5. In a sport often dominated by stalwarts from colder climates, a South African giant had emerged.

 

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A post shared by SBD World’s Strongest Man (@theworldsstrongestman)

The reaction back home was instant jubilation. In Mzansi, Nel’s triumph was hailed as a rainbow-nation moment. He has made history as “the first African athlete to win the world strongman title in the 48-year history of the competition.” South Africans from Cape Town to Johannesburg took to social media in pride, calling it a national first.

Even South Africa’s official Government account posted, “HISTORY MADE! Congratulations to Rayno Nel, Africa’s first-ever World’s Strongest Man champion!”.

Nel himself was humble, saying he was “just over the moon” and that representing his country “feels surreal.”

“To represent (South Africa) in any way whatsoever, it feels surreal. I mean, we’re a small country with a lot of struggles. To have something like this I know means a lot to my people.”

He even quipped about post-competition celebrations, lamenting he couldn’t enjoy his favourite Black Label lager in California and would have to “try American beer tonight.”

For his part, Nel insists this is only the beginning. In a candid interview he said his progress has been rapid and he’s “still improving” every season.

“My strength came up really fast, and I’m still improving,” he said, a sign that he’s not resting on laurels.

His win has galvanised a nation. A reminder that in South Africa’s “rainbow nation,” even the strongest title in sport is now within reach.

Sources: USA Today | Wikipedia | Blecher Report | Giants Live 

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South Africa’s own “Katniss Everdeen” archer Neve Quail has a shot at competing in the European Youth Cup!

Durban, South Africa (19 May 2025) — A fun evening at Scouts attempting to achieve an Archery badge changed Neve Quail’s life forever. Today, 17-year-old Neve is a skilled archer ranked first in her age group and as the second-highest female recurve archer in South Africa. With multiple records, National colours and podium moments under her belt, Neve’s well on her way to becoming an Olympian. Not to mention, she also has a shot at a huge opportunity ahead of her that would serve her greatly in getting there, the European Youth Cup.

This is an inspiring achievement for any young athlete. However, it’s also an extra special one for the Type 1 Diabetes community.

Neve and her family learned that she had Type 1 Diabetes at just 6 years old. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is not chalked down to one’s lifestyle. Instead, it is a chronic auto-immune condition often diagnosed early on in life. The pancreas stops insulin production, which means that one essentially has to fill in for the organ (read: a life of maintenance and insulin injections).

Neve is one of those impressive people who, as her mom Heidi shares, has not let her condition stand in her way (even though we’re sure it very well could).

Despite all her training and talent, it’s also her mental fortitude that has led Neve to her big opportunity at the European Youth Cup, an opportunity she’s hoping South Africa will help her see through.

Along with her Team SA counterparts, Neve’s competition at the European Youth Cup could offer a massive boost in how she ranks worldwide, ultimately influencing her participation in events like the World Games and the Youth Olympics.

The South African National Archery Association’s budgetary constraints have meant that the archers need to pay their way.

As Heidi Quail explains, the family are not in a position to pay for Neve’s opportunity. As such, they are holding thumbs that if a lot of people come together to give what they can, Neve could get to make South Africa proud and show the world what her arrows are made of.

You can support Neve’s crowdfund, here. 

Sources: Email Submission 

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South African comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout is training for his first-ever Comrades. And, he’s learnt a lot from the utility of the word ‘tapering’ when you don’t know what else to say to the wise sages of Comrades past who seem to relish in acting as vague as a fortune cookie of fear and advice. Watch Schalk’s hilarious take on it all:

South Africa (18 May 2025) — South African comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout is among the many rookie racers preparing to take on the upcoming Comrades Marathon for the very first time. And, amid the many lessons Schalk has learned (like how far 80kms actually is and why the word ‘tapering’ is a fast ticket to sounding like you know what you’re talking about in a group of runners), he’s also interacted with the ‘Comrades Fortune Cookies’.

A Comrades ‘Fortune Cookie’ is someone who has completed the race and proceeds to give a rookie runner vague, alarming, and somewhat riddled advice, including (but not limited to) “After halfway, you find out who you truly are.”

Schalk recently made some updates on his training, with a video dedicated entirely to the ‘Comrades Fortune Cookies’ and their scary warnings.

“They will make it their mission to put the fear of God in you. They’ll go, ‘oh is it your first Comrades?’ and you go, ‘yeah no it’s my first one, I’m very excited’. And they’ll go (with an expression as if they’ve just seen a ghost), “I remember my first one… good luck, that’s all I can say. Good luck. And then they run into a bush and disappear forever,” remarks Schalk. 

The comedian even hilariously compared these sages to Dumbledore from Harry Potter, who never really let the kid know what was actually going on but made sure to give vague warnings at a whim.

Watch: People Who Have Done the Comrades Before, Please Stop Scaring Us

Sources: Schalk Bezuidenhout 

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After a three-year hiatus from competitive lifesaving, 25 year old Amica de Jager has made a sensational return to the sport, claiming a prestigious title at the 2025 National Lifesaving Championships!

South Africa (14 May 2025) — Competitive lifesaving recently welcomed the triumphant return of Amica de Jager following a three-year hiatus from the sport.

Amica, a renowned open water swimmer, delivered a remarkable all-round performance across both Pool and Surf events, securing gold medals in the Run Swim Run, Surf Swim, Board Rescue, and Tube Rescue. She also placed second in the Iron event and delivered strong top-eight finishes in both Board and Surfski disciplines and claimed the prestigious Victrix Ludorum title at the 2025 National Lifesaving Championships! 

For Amica, her comeback meant the world to her.

“I was very nervous coming back after such a long break, but I couldn’t have asked for a better Nationals. I loved every second of it,” the champ shares.

The six-day competition showcased her versatility and endurance, including a standout performance in the pool where she achieved personal bests, OPEX (Operation Excellence) times, and helped her club, Clifton Lifesaving, dominate the relay events, winning three out of four.

Known for her ability to straddle two elite sporting codes, the Velocity Trade Ambassador continues to chase excellence in both open water swimming and lifesaving.

“Lifesaving and swimming go hand in hand,” Amica says. “One is individual, the other is team-based — and together they make me a stronger, more complete athlete.”

However, Amica’s campaign was not without its challenges, both physical and emotional, but through strategic recovery techniques including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, consistent rest, and the valuable experience gained from the Western Cape’s Rescue Sport Series, she found her stride.

“The biggest hurdle was believing I could return to form. But the series gave me the confidence and preparation I needed.”

Looking ahead, Amica has her sights set on international waters. She will compete at the Blu Smooth Kromme Descent, before representing South Africa at the 22nd World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. 

Later this year, she plans to race on the World Aquatics Open Water World Cup circuit, and hopes to be re-selected for the South African Lifesaving team set to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand.

A role model for young athletes, Amica shares the following advice:

“I want young athletes, especially girls, to know that anything is possible. Don’t let others define your limits. Compete hard, love your competition, and make friends along the way — that’s what makes sport truly special.”

Sources: Supplied—Christina Mallion

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South Africa’s Junior Aquatics Team have been crowned the champions of the African continent thanks to their stellar medal haul at the 16th Africa Junior Swimming Championships!

Cairo, Egypt (09 May 2025) — Young and talented South African swimmers deserve all the rounds of applause; they are officially the champions of the African continent!

Thanks to a stellar series of performances at the recent 16th Africa Junior Swimming Championships, Team South Africa’s Juniors walked away with not only an impressive medal haul but also a finish at the tip-top of the medal table. The championships, held in Cairo from 30 April to 4 May, saw talent from all over Africa compete for the coveted spot.

According to Africa Aquatics, the SA Junior team earned an incredible 52 medals overall!  Exceptionally, 25 of these medals were gold, while 17 were silver and 10 were bronze.

Egypt scooped the second overall spot at the Africa Junior Swimming Championships, ultimately claiming a total of 43 medals.

“South Africa showed incredible strength, skill and unity in the pool. Your hard work and dedication paid off—you’ve made your nation and the entire continent proud!” Africa Aquatics shared proudly. 

Meanwhile, in more news from swimming superstars that made up proud, South African Paralympic swimmer Kat Swanepoel has dedicated the month of May to beating MS by swimming for a cause that isn’t just close to her heart but has profoundly impacted every aspect of her life.

Kat has signed up to swim 50km to raise both awareness and much-needed funds for both research and support of people living with MS. Read more, here. 

Sources: Africa Aquatics 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Surfski superstar Kira Bester dominated Atlantic, Indian and Mediterranean waters with three wins in just 7 days!

Global (08 May 2025) — South African surfski superstar Kira Bester has opened the 2025 season like a champion.

Claiming three wins across three oceans in just seven days; the reigning 2024 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Champion showcased a flair of dominance few could match.

The campaign began on home soil with a powerful performance at the South African Surfski Championships in which Kira outpaced the field on the 21k course from Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek.

“That win meant a lot,” reflected Kira. “It’s a “It’s a tough course that demands physical and tactical strength. I had to work smart, and draw on the strength of the paddlers around me. To take the title was a huge sense of relief and pride.”

Only a few days later, it was time for her next victory. Teaming up with powerhouse Melanie van Niekerk, the two tackled the Freedom Paddle—South Africa’s premier doubles ocean race around Robben Island.

“Mel was phenomenal in the back,” Bester said. “Her power and experience were unmatched, and I learned so much from her. I just focused on steering clean lines and keeping us efficient —it was a real team effort.”

The final leg of her whirlwind week was in Villajoyosa, Spain, where she secured the overall women’s title at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup!

“This event has been on my bucket list for a while, so to win it was massive. The competition was world-class, and to come out on top on an international stage gives me huge confidence going forward,” she said.

While her results speak volumes, the campaign came with its challenges.

“Mentally, staying sharp through back-to-back races took a lot,” Bester admitted. “There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I leaned on my team and kept focused on one race at a time.”

Key to her success, Bester credits her training environment, singling out Pete Cole of the Orka squad for surfski preparation, and Mitch for gym-based strength and conditioning.

“The balance they bring to my routine — on the water and in the gym — has been a winning formula. I’m lucky to have them both in my corner.”

For younger paddlers watching her success, Bester encourages perseverance and confidence, sharing:

“Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable — that’s where the growth happens. When I started, I was one of the few girls on the water and often felt out of place. But that became my motivation. Find your passion, show up every day, and celebrate the small wins.”

Looking ahead, Bester’s sights are now set on the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, to be held in Durban, South Africa.

“It’s a huge opportunity to race against the world’s best on home soil,” she says.

“Durban’s ocean is unpredictable and exciting — I’m preparing hard and giving it everything I’ll be proud no matter the result, but yes, I’m absolutely racing to win.”

Sources:Supplied

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South African paddler Kyle Armdorf headed to the President’s Cup 2025 Regatta in Azerbaijan – a first for SA – and he absolutely smashed it with two gold medals to show for it!

Mingachevir, Azerbaijan (02 May 2025) – He may have taken a knock to his health leading up to the biggest competition of his sporting career, but South African paddler Kyle Armdorf rowed like a champ at the President’s Cup 2025 Regatta in Azerbaijan – securing two gold medals!

According to Sport South Africa, the rising star won his first international race in Sugovushan on April 30 by winning gold in the U14 Boys K1 200m sprint with a time of 00:40.88. In the next leg of the regatta in Mingachevir, Armdorf went on to win the 500m race in a time of 2:22.17, completing with yet another gold medal!

His performance was praised by Canoeing South Africa, which highlighted the significance of the result for the young national team.

Kyle’s achievement will certainly go down in history as this was South Africa’s first appearance at the President’s Cup Regatta, which drew in over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In an interview with Idman.biz, Kyle shared that he encountered multiple health issues during training leading up to the international event.

“But I never gave up,” he said.

“I stood up, recovered, and kept going. I’m proud to have represented my country and family with dignity.”

Kyle’s victory, a showcase of his athletic prowess, undeterred grit, impressive discipline and national glory, has us roaring in celebration!

The young athlete has his sights set on competing in the Olympic Games, and if his debut performance at the President’s Cup is anything to go by, Kyle is well on his way!

Sources: Sport South Africa | Canoeing South Africa

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