Born with cerebral palsy, Spha has tackled some of the country’s toughest races and captured the hearts of many followers online.
Durban, South Africa (22 August 2025) – In a world where excuses are easy to find, Spha, a runner born with cerebral palsy, is showing South Africans what determination truly looks like. Known online as “the disabled runner,” Spha has captured the hearts of thousands with his positivity and unshakable belief that nothing is impossible.
He recently shared a heartfelt video asking South Africans to support his dream of attracting sponsors so he could continue inspiring others through running. He introduced himself, simply explaining that despite his disability, he is committed to chasing big goals. His plea struck a powerful chord. The video went viral, racking up more than 600,000 views and growing his online community to over 35,000 followers.
But Spha is not just about motivational words; he actually lives his message on the road. Against all odds, he lined up alongside over 20,000 athletes at this year’s Comrades Marathon, one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. His promise to his followers was simple: he would finish the race. And he did.
@spha_thisabledrunner Ep 48: Please assist #Abathwalinrc #Spha_ThisAbledRunner #siyaphemba #HollywoodAC #ayibo ♬ Imizamo Yam – Nathi
Crossing the finish line with a bronze medal in hand, Spha described the experience as unforgettable. His original goal had been to earn a Bill Rowan medal, but even when that slipped away, his pride never wavered. For him, completing Comrades was about proving to himself, and to everyone watching, that disability does not define limits.
“The atmosphere was great,” he shared on TikTok afterwards. “It was the first time I stood in a queue to run with more than 10,000 people. In fact, I think it was 20,000. A promise is a promise, and I promised I would finish and I did.”
Beyond the races, SPHA continues to post uplifting videos every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1 p.m., reminding his supporters that consistency and optimism go hand in hand. His story is no longer just his own. This has now evolved into a movement of encouragement for anyone facing challenges, athletic or otherwise.
Spha may call himself “the disabled runner,” but to his growing community, he is proof that ability is measured by the will to keep moving forward.
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