How widow Tholiwe Walaza raised an Olympic star

OLYMPIC silver medalist Bayanda Walaza was given a hero's welcome when he returned to Curro Hazeldean High School in August, following his exploits at the Paris Olympics. Quietly sitting at the back of the school hall though, was a distinctly proud mother ~ Tholiwe Walaza.

- MICHAEL SHERMAN

The 18-year-old was ushered into the school hall during assembly under a guard of honour which featured South Africa flags raised above his head as he made his way to the stage.

Minister of education Siviwe Gwarube was in attendance, along with Tholiwe.

In an emotional ceremony with his mother at his side, Walaza was presented with the silver medal before the school sung the national anthem to cap the celebration.

Tragic death

Tholiwe Walaza later revealed in an interview with IOL Sport that her son had to overcome his father’s tragic death by gunshot at the age of 10.