Bayanda Walaza displays his silver medal from the Paris Olympics, on his return to Curro Hazeldean High Schoo Bayanda Walaza displays his silver medal from the Paris Olympics, on his return to Curro Hazeldean High School on Thursday. Photo: Michael Sherman/IOL Sport
Olympic silver medalist Bayanda Walaza was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to Curro Hazeldean High School on Thursday, following his exploits at the Paris Olympics.
The 18-year-old was ushered into the school hall during assembly under a guard of honour which featured South Africa flags raised above his head as he made his way to the stage.
Minister of education Siviwe Gwarube was in attendance, along with Walaza’s mother Tholiwe.
In an emotional ceremony with his mother at his side, Walaza was presented with the silver medal before the school sung the national anthem to cap the celebration.
Tholiwe Walaza later revealed in an interview with IOL Sport that her son had to overcome his father’s tragic death by gunshot at the age of 10.
“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.”