Ruben lives for fishing — and with the national championships in Bloemhof coming up soon, his family is hoping South Africans will help get this determined young angler back to the water.
Cape Town, South Africa (03 February 2026) – Fishing has carried 17-year-old Ruben Labuschagne through more challenges than most kids have had to face.
Ruben suffered a stroke as a baby and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, ADD and sensory processing disorder. His right arm, leg and side of his face are affected, and at age 11, he was also diagnosed with autism. Over the years, his family’s life has revolved around OT, physio, speech therapy, foot splints and finding learning environments that could support him.
But through it all, one thing has never changed. Ruben’s love for fishing.
If he could fish day and night, he would. When he’s not watching fishing videos on YouTube or TV, he’s checking his gear or ‘pretend fishing’ on the lawn with a rod in hand. Freshwater fishing is his favourite, especially for barbel, and every family getaway has to be near a dam or river.
Ruben is a proud member of the Cape Town Angling Club alongside his dad and brother. In December 2022, he represented Western Province at the Disabled Angling National Championships held at Bloemhof Dam. He competed in the junior B team against neurotypical anglers and held his own.
Even more remarkable, Ruben fished for five days straight, waking up early every morning and staying out until late each evening. The head judge was so moved by his dedication and passion that he awarded Ruben his own medal!
His mom, Rika, says he was a superstar.
That moment sparked something even greater. Ruben’s dad, Willem, went on to help establish a Western Province disabled fishing team, and last year Ruben and his teammates competed together at the championships in Bloemhof. Since then, Ruben has been counting down to this year’s event, which takes place in April 2026.
It’s what he lives for. The challenge is cost.
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Over the past two years, colleagues, friends, family, and even strangers have stepped in to help. They’re deeply grateful but they also know they can’t ask the same people year after year.
Ruben turns 18 in March, and his parents are navigating what comes next. Traditional schooling is no longer an option, and they’re exploring alternatives like appointing a facilitator and possibly finding work for him at a fishing shop. Like many families of disabled teens in South Africa, they’re facing a future with limited opportunities.
What Ruben does have is extraordinary passion and skill.
They’re hoping the right people notice him, that new sponsors come on board, and that Ruben can continue chasing the one thing that brings him pure joy, with dreams of one day fishing alongside some of the sport’s big names.
If you’re able to help, sponsor, or simply share Ruben’s story, it could make all the difference. You can reach Rika via this email address.
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