Flying the flag of their community from the dusty streets of Langaville to Bezuidenhout Valley in Johannesburg, Minenhle Kgaphola and Thoko Ndlovu have secured scholarships to study at Queen’s High School (QHS).
The school is known for its high academic and sporting standards, but the costs are financially demanding.
Support from Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) and local partner Plus Butchery allowed the learners the opportunity to study at one of Johannesburg’s most sought-after public schools.
Both athletes are members of the Langaville Athletics Health and Fitness Academy (Lahfa), founded by coach Saki Kgaphola. Including them, three Lahfa athletes have been selected by QHS.
Minenhle Kgaphola and Thoko Ndlovu are officially learners at Queens High School.
First recipient Zanele Mzizi joined the school last year and is in Grade Nine. Minenhle Kgaphola and Thoko Ndlovu are in Grade Eight.
Although QHS offers day and boarding options, the three will reside in the school hostel due to its distance from Langaville.
Saki encouraged young people to take sports seriously and remain committed because dedication eventually pays off.
“No one cares about you when you are still training and practicing, but everyone rejoices with you during the victory lap,” he said.
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Minenhle already has an impressive athletics profile. Last year, she competed at local, district, provincial and national levels in cross-country and track and field while at her previous schools. After relocating to Soweto to be closer to her mother, she continued to achieve multiple victories.
Minenhle begins her high school journey at QHS, following in the footsteps of her teammate, Zanele. Her grandfather (Saki) first identified her and had mentored her since her kindergarten years.
The academy thanked Lucy Sithole and Saki for mentoring and developing these young athletes, who have represented Langaville across the country and aspire to reach international stages, including the Olympic Games.
The club is optimistic about the future, with high hopes for continued success. The academy is among the teams Gauteng Sport selected for club development.
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