Noluthando Makalima and Michele Macfarlane are set to represent South Africa at the World Adaptive Surfing Championship this November.
Cape Town, South Africa (15 September 2023) – Two determined, passionate and incredible South African women have embarked on a remarkable journey that is set to take them from Cape Town to Huntington Beach, USA, one of the most renowned surfing spots in the world.
Noluthando Makalima and Michele Macfarlane are both single mothers living with disabilities. In recent years the two have discovered their greatest source of joy and personal strength through the sport of surfing.
Despite facing immense physical and emotional challenges, Michele (who is visually impaired) and Nolu (who has cerebral palsy) have conquered the waves and received a coveted invitation to participate in the World Adaptive Surfing Championship this November. Their achievements embody the spirit of resilience and determination that have made them an inspiration to so many.
However – time is of the essence – and the two athletes need the support of the public to make their dream a reality. The journey to the World Champs involves considerable expenses including travel, accommodation, equipment, and coaching, and they are reaching out to the compassionate Cape Town community to help bridge the financial gap.
By rallying together as a community we can empower these remarkable women to compete on the global stage, representing not only themselves but also the strength and resilience of South Africans everywhere.
Nolu and Michele’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the extraordinary feats that can be achieved when passion and determination collide. The two often travel and compete together and complement one another with their abilities and disabilities. Michele will push Nolu around in her wheelchair, the former serving as the legs of the operation while the latter is the eyes.
Please help spread the message about their journey and let’s help these inspiring women ride the waves of success and show the world that the South African spirit knows no bounds.
You can find Michele’s fund here and Noluthando’s fund here.

