The Disability Rights Unit of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud of seventh-place world record-holder in para-surfing Sabelo Ngema, who has been selected to represent South Africa at the ISA World Para-surfing Championships in California, USA from 4-11 December 2022.

“I am pleased to be the first Zulu guy to represent South Africa at an international level in parasurfing,” he said.

He is a third-year Business Law student at DUT, a mental health counsellor, an entrepreneur, a disability sports advocate and a work readiness facilitator. Ngema discovered surfing while attending the Open Air Special School in 2015. He caught his first wave on 15 September 2015, and in 2019, he won the KZN para-surfing championships.

He was extremely proud of himself, which motivated him to excel in all of his competitions. Surprisingly, he cannot swim and his fear of drowning is the major reason he overcame his challenge. Ngema is an inspiration to many students with disabilities as he is living proof that disabilities do not restrict you and that you can achieve more than your limitations. He was born in Eshowe as one of six siblings, and his family is dependent on one breadwinner. His family supports him and wishes to see him succeed because he is multi-talented.

Ngema seeks donations that will aid him in securing lodging, flight tickets and food during his stay in the USA. If anyone can donate money, kindly contact the Disability Rights Unit at DisabilityRUDBN@dut.ac.za and the DUT disability sports administrator at mpumelelos@dut.ac.za.

Sabelo Ngema’s message is: “Don’t let fear restrict you; instead, let it fuel your success. Live outside of your comfort zone.”

Pictured: Sabelo Ngema

Odwa Mahlungulu