Woman learns taekwondo after mugging
After experiencing a life-threatening incident of mugging, Thembi Mathebula, turned to taekwondo as a means of self-defence.
WHITE RIVER – The 40-year-old Mathebula said she was mugged early this year while walking in Anderson Street in Mbombela, and this is an experience she wishes to forget.
“I was robbed of all my belongings, money, cellphone and handbag in full view of people just walking past who did nothing to help. I screamed and shouted for help, but no one came to my rescue. There were some women who usually sat there and they just watched as I was being mugged. I was left confused and terrified. This alone broke me,” she said.
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However, this mugging came as a blessing in disguise, because she was able to discover a new passion, karate. She said even though she initially took the lessons to learn how to defend herself, she soon fell in love with the sport and has since learned that karate is not all about fighting, but rather how to be disciplined and calm in certain situations.
“When growing up I was very quiet and shy. I had so much respect for the elderly people. At university I came across different types of people and cultures. I have always wanted to learn how to keep myself safe while staying calm at the same time.
“Today I have a six Kup green belt certificate in taekwondo and I am enjoying every moment of it,” Mathebula said. She encouraged other women to consider signing up and join the taekwondo classes. “Women are no longer safe these days. They are kidnapped and killed and I say it is about time women stand up and fight for themselves. Knowing what to do and how to do it is very important,” she advised.
