Local Paralympic tennis champion Lucas Sithole, 37, was celebrated with a hero’s welcome during a homecoming event at Majuba TVET Stadium on Friday (September 20)
The Amajuba and Newcastle municipalities collaborated with the Nyatee Foundation to organise the star-studded celebratory event at the Majuba TVET Stadium. Sithole, who is also the Nyathee Foundation ambassador, was accompanied by his tennis partner, Ronald Ramphadi, who is from Limpopo province.
Sithole created history by winning bronze in the quad doubles category at the Paralympic games. This feat is notable since it is the first time African Paralympic wheelchair tennis athletes have won a medal at the Games.
With this incredible achievement, South Africa has become the 13th country to win a Paralympic medal since wheelchair tennis became a full-medal sport in 1992. Both Sithole and Ramphadi are proud of their leading achievement in Paris 2024.
Sithole is a well-known name in the tennis scene, having competed in five Grand Slam tournaments, winning the US Open quad singles title in 2013 and the Australian Open doubles title in 2016.
Born and bred in Osizweni, his life took a sad turn at the age of 12 when he lost both legs and his right arm in an accident while assisting a friend’s uncle to move train lines.
After years of despair, Sithole discovered wheelchair tennis, which became a source of comfort and purpose.
He started competing in international wheelchair tennis events in 2006 and in July 2011, he won his first big tournament, the British Open wheelchair tennis tournament (Super Series) in Nottingham, Great Britain.
He has subsequently become an inspiring figure, working as a motivational speaker and sports presenter. He has also received the South African Presidency Order of Ikhamaga in Silver for ‘bearing testimony to resilience’.
Lucas Sithole’s exceptional achievements have not only raised South Africa’s global profile, but have also inspired many people across the country. He thanked the Nyatee Foundation for presenting him with a luxurious SUV before his departure to the Paralympics, recognising their support in his incredible journey.
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