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Nolitha Kibido’s name resonates with resilience and triumph as she shatters boundaries in the world of sports, etching her mark in the annals of history. 

 Born in the picturesque Eastern Cape village of Xhorha/Elliot Dale, Nolitha’s journey from a small town to the national and international stages is one of courage, resilience, and dedication.

 This week Kibido, a second-year social work student at the University of Stellenbosch, jetted to Ghana with the South African national wheelchair basketball team for the 2023 African Para Games scheduled for 3 to 12 September. She is set to travel to Bangkok in Thailand for the 2023 IWBF Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship from 3 to 9 October. 

 But playing sports was never  Kibido’s cup of coffee  – until she was forced to do so at school. “Growing up, I was always eager to be part of something at school, whether it was the debate team, the school head girl, or the chorus. I wanted to leave a legacy, so I never really considered sports.

 “But when the school compelled everyone to participate in sport during sports day on Thursdays, I decided to try basketball simply because my Grade 3 teacher Miss Pinkie Zinto had set extremely high standards for me.”

 She turned out to be good at it and was introduced to the management of the sport, who were so impressed with her and said she had an excellent chance to be in the national team. “I was stunned by it because I had barely arrived, and things were progressing so quickly for me.” A rapid rise ensued – from local trials to provincial selections and, ultimately, a spot in the national team as the most valuable player from the Western Cape.

 Early Life and Education

Growing up, Nolitha attended Thembalethu School for her lower grades and later moved to EROS Special School for her higher grades until she completed grade 12. Hailing from Site B in Khayelitsha, she found a caring guardian in her aunt after losing her parents. Nolitha is currently pursuing her studies in social work at Stellenbosch University, making strides academically and athletically.

 Triumphs and Challenges

Nolitha’s journey was marked by remarkable achievements. Despite facing initial doubts about wheelchair basketball’s potential, she defied the odds and represented South Africa on the international stage. In 2019, she participated in the Under 25 World Championships in Thailand, where her team secured a commendable seventh place. Nolitha’s determination continued to shine as she participated in various tournaments, including a memorable trip to Angola.

However, like many, Nolitha’s journey faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International travel was restricted, but her determination remained unshaken. In 2022, she traveled to Ethiopia for the Under 25 qualifiers and set her sights on the World Championships. 

 A Beacon of Inspiration

Nolitha’s remarkable achievements are a testament to her self-determination and positive mindset. She firmly believes in breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms regarding disabilities. “I had a desire to lead a fulfilling life, and if there is one thing that kept me going, it was self-determination. Also, I never identified myself as someone with a disability. My disability was my ability because there was nothing I couldn’t do. I entered everywhere I wanted with my wheelchair; nothing ever stopped me from reaching my goals. I used to hear stories that people who have children with disabilities hide them at home because they think that there is no future for them. I want to decolonize that kind of thinking and be a true example that people with disabilities are also people; it is just that they are differently able. I have grown up with the phrase ‘you can do anything if you just put your heart and mind to it’ since grade 6. It still motivates me whenever I feel things are getting tough at school or in my life,” she says.

While Nolitha acknowledges the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities, she remains hopeful for change. She raises important questions about the unequal treatment of athletes with disabilities compared to their able-bodied counterparts, emphasizing the need for recognition and support. Sadly, wheelchair basketball is one of those sporting codes that are poorly funded to fully cover athletes’ travel, training, and competition costs. So, athletes like Kibido must source their funds to fly the national flag high, as she has been doing. 

 Dreams of Glory

Looking forward, Nolitha’s dream is to lead the South African wheelchair basketball team to the Paralympics and emerge victorious. Her unwavering determination and steadfast spirit serve as an inspiration not only to aspiring athletes but to anyone striving for excellence in the face of challenges.

Nolitha Kibido’s journey from a small village to the international arena is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. As she continues to rise and represent the country, her story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that one can overcome any obstacle in pursuit of their dreams with dedication and resilience.

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