Bayanda Walaza, an Olympic silver medalist, received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Curro Hazeldean High School on Thursday after his success at the Paris Olympics.
During assembly, the 18-year-old was led into the school hall by a guard of honour, with South African flags raised above his head as he approached the stage.
Attendees included Minister of Education Sivwe Gwarube and Walaza’s mother, Tholiwe.
Walaza was awarded with the silver medal in an emotional ceremony attended by his mother, before the students sang the national anthem to conclude the celebration.
Tholiwe Walaza subsequently disclosed in an interview with IOL Sport that her son had to cope with his father’s terrible death by gunshot at the age of ten.
“He lost his father in a violent fight, when his dad got shot. He experienced all that. After that it was tough. As I mother I had to do something,” said Tholiwe Walaza.
“I went for counselling and for social workers to help. It’s something that was so bad. After we buried his father, he was going for counselling. If he saw something violent after that where we’re staying, if there’s something that triggered that, he would be going back.
“God, counselling and our family as a strong support system helps to recover.”
Walaza was part of the men’s 4x100m relay team alongside Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi and Bradley Nkoana.
It was a stunning race, in which Team SA finished second behind Canada while the much-fancied USA outfit fumbled a changeover before being disqualified.
Tholiwe Walaza said watching the final back home was an incredible experience.
“It’s an emotional moment for me as I didn’t expect this. He made me proud. I raised a brave one. I was worried because it’s his first time on the global stage running against big names.
“We were at grandma’s house — the whole family. Uncles, cousins were all there. When it was time to start the race, I didn’t even see the finish and I said it’s a win! I was so happy after I saw the results he delivered.”
On Team SA’s return to South Africa on Tuesday, Walaza stole the show as the crowd, including SA minister of sport Gayton McKenzie, assembled at OR Tambo gave the youngster and incredible reception.
“The moment the minister of sport McKenzie standing there — when I saw him chanting ‘Walaza! Walaza!’, I didn’t believe it. This is my son, I raised such a wonderful young star. I was so happy. Somebody called me and said ‘wake up!’. I was numb. Now I’m a proud mother.”
