The journey of Mpumelelo Mhlongo from overcoming congenital deformities to becoming a world-record-holding Paralympian and advocate for education and community support exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and opportunity.
Johannesburg, South Africa (15 July 2024) – Our circumstances do not define us; rather, it is our determination and resilience that shape our destiny. When we break free from societal expectations and limitations, we can truly become champions. This philosophy is exemplified by Mpumelelo Mhlongo, a remarkable South African athlete whose story is one of overcoming challenges and inspiring countless others to strive for greatness.
Mhlongo, born in 1994 in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal, is a South African sprint and long jump athlete and a Paralympic Games record holder. Despite being born with a congenital deformity known as constriction ring syndrome and club foot, Mhlongo has never let his physical challenges hold him back. He grew up in Klaarwater, KwaZulu-Natal, and thanks to his parents’ decisions, he was able to enrol in the public school system in the suburbs from first grade. His mother, whom he sees as the protagonist of his childhood, played a pivotal role in his development.
Mhlongo’s talent and dedication were evident early on. At Kloof High School, he shared the Junior Sportsman of the Year award in his first year and received several distinctions, including the Edwin Henwood Trophy during his matriculation. His sporting achievements matched his academic prowess, leading him to pursue chemical engineering studies at the University of Cape Town on a scholarship. There, he consistently appeared on the Dean’s Merit List and won the Sportsperson of the Year award five years in a row. Mhlongo is currently studying for his doctorate in the conversion of plastic waste into energy, showcasing his commitment to both sports and academics.
The proudly South African’s athletic career is nothing short of extraordinary. He made his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games and has since represented South Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he broke the T44 200m World Record and set records in the 100m and long jump events. Mhlongo also set his first ratified world record in 2019 at the Grosseto Grand Prix, becoming the only T44 athlete to jump over the 7m mark with a distance of 7.03m. His accolades include silver and bronze medals at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships and multiple awards for his sports and community contributions.
A Champion for Education and Community
Recently, BIC, a world leader in stationery, announced its partnership with Mhlongo in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This collaboration is part of BIC’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, “Together We Can Write the Future,” which aims to combat South Africa’s high school dropout rate of 41%. The program highlights the importance of providing students with the resources they need to stay in school, drawing a parallel to Mhlongo’s journey of overcoming obstacles with the right support.
Lilian Henderson, Director of Marketing Southern and East Africa at BIC, stated, “Mhlongo’s story is inspiring. It is a reason to believe that you can thrive in any environment if the right resources are attainable. As a brand committed to education, we believe that change starts with ‘one’. An individual that believes in you, a teacher that supports you, an organization that funds you, a parent that encourages you. Our nationwide initiative Buy a Pen Donate a Pen and our partnership with Mhlongo are a reflection of that.”
Through the “Buy a Pen Donate a Pen” initiative, BIC has donated over 15 million writing tools to students in need since 2012. This year, the company aims to reach a total of 1 million donations, encouraging consumers to make a difference with each purchase.
Mhlongo, reflecting on his own experiences, said, “As a South African child who needed a cheerleader, I understand the difference that the support of a community can make. Someone took a chance on me and that completely changed the course of my life. My partnership embodies my experience. I would love to be for our children today, the person I needed to have as a child, and I am touched to collaborate with brands that understand the meaning of that to the future of our society.”
As we look towards the future, Mhlongo’s story is a powerful reminder that our potential is not limited by our circumstances but defined by our resolve to overcome them. His partnership with BIC and his ongoing efforts in the community are making a tangible difference, proving that together, we can indeed write the future (and rewrite our destinies).
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