A 19-year-old who goes by the name of Njabulo Buthelezi has so much passion when it comes to athletics, especially being a long-distance runner. This young man grew up staying with his grandmother, but he is currently living with his uncle and aunt in eMondlo.
Njabulo says he started running 2.3km in 2016 when still attending Fisokuhle Primary School. When Coach Lindo from Lindokuhle Athletic Club spotted him in the streets, he invited Njabulo to run and also train with his team. “Lindo would encourage kids living with albinism to also start doing athletics,” explains Njabulo.
‘’Apart from running, I want to be a doctor, as I have problems with my eyes. I want to help those people who are living with albinism who also suffer with sight problems and other disabilities.”
Njabulo adds that people living with albinism often fall victim to discrimination in the community; he has also experienced ill treatment and harsh words from people. “Even in this day and age, people are not educated about albinism and I do not feel good when they say hurtful things to me. I was born with albinism, but later on I realised I am not what they say I am. Because I am better educated as a young adult, I know who I am and what I believe in.”
Njabulo has participated in various running activities like the Thembiso Tom Tom race in Johannesburg; the Prince Mangosuthu Marathon, where he did the 10km race; the ZDM Marathon; and other local marathons. Next week Sunday, he will be running a 21km race in Emkhambathini. Then, on October 17, he will be participating in the Cape Town Marathon (21km) in Cape Town. Njabulo would like to thank AT Schoeman from Adrian, Ashintwela ZA and Zacharia Khanyi, who donated running shoes to him. He issues a plea to the community to assist in any way they can to help him prepare for his upcoming races. Njabulo can be contacted on 071 795 2678 or 079 844 0937 ALSO READ:Local church stands against the killing of albinos
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