Bayanda Walaza’s mother receives sponsored trip to Junior World Champs

The event set for 27 to 31 August 2024 in Lima, Peru, will see Walaza compete in his second major international event in less than a month, after he helped Team SA secure a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

After watching her 18-year-old rising sprint star on television during the Olympics, thanks to the school’s support, Tholiwe will be able to cheer Walaza on in person in South America. 

"To the Hazeldean family, I truly appreciate what they're doing for me. They're showing appreciation of what I'm doing, and I'm also showing appreciation for whatever they're doing for me," said Walaza.

"So, I'd like to thank them a lot because my coach was here [in Paris] because of my Hazeldean family – they paid for him and everything to come here and support me.

"They're also going to pay for my mother to come to Peru for the World Champs, so I'm truly thankful for whatever they're doing for me.

"It touches my heart a lot because my mother wouldn't afford to go there. We're not that financially stable, so for them to do that, it means a lot."

Having begun his preliminary exams today, Walaza has been studying online with the support of his teachers, even while representing his country out in Paris recently.

"The prelims, I don't think will be hard to adjust because I trust my teachers a lot. When I was [in Paris], I was really panicking and sent them messages to ask if they think I'll make it," he shared.

"They were like, 'You know, relax, just do what you're there for, and when you come back, we're just going to make sure you get everything done."

READ: Olympic legend Carl Lewis praises SA’s 4x100m relay team