Fundraiser for Ronewa to help reach his dream

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Twenty-five-year-old Ronewa Mudzanani, a wheelchair tennis player from Vhurivhuri outside Thohoyandou, started walking and functioning like any other child when he was a little boy, until one day when he suddenly could not stand on his own anymore. When the doctors examined him, he was diagnosed with scoliosis (a sideways curvature of the spine). Despite growing up in a rural area, he did not allow his disability to stop him from reaching his goal of becoming a world-class tennis player.

Ranked 76^th in the world, he has participated in several international wheelchair tennis tournaments, including a series of tournaments in Turkey in November last year, where he did very well.

Although he certainly is an inspiration to many with his determination and passion, he still dreams of representing South Africa at Wimbledon and the Paralympics one day. Yet, despite his achievements and accolades, Mudzanani remains faced with a reality that often makes it very difficult for him to participate internationally and bring him closer to realising his dream, and that is to get enough sponsorships. This year, his goal is to play in nine international tournaments, but he will need around R200 000 to cover all the expenses.

In an effort to help him raise these funds, Monate Chicken N’ Steak, a chicken franchise, has organised a fundraising music show at the Lufule R524 branch on Saturday, 4 March, where some of Vhembe’s top artists will be performing.

Monate Chicken N’ Steak owner Ms Lufuno Primrose Makhale said Ronewa had approached her for assistance one day. “The guy oozes confidence and has the desire to make it, despite his disability. We could not ignore his plight or his talent. After thorough assessment, we decided to come on board. We contacted a few artists, who volunteered their services, and organised a whole music show as a fundraiser. We are very excited to be part of Ronewa’s journey towards his dream. On our part, we will sponsor the venue and we are also pledging ten percent of our sales on that day. There is going to be a lot of fun, with competitions and people will be going home with T-shirts and tennis rackets signed by Ronewa Mudzanani. That is our humble contribution,” she said.

Among the other sponsors is Tendani Mining Construction, Unique Me and Thinga Security Training Services.

Artists who volunteered to perform at the event include the likes of Pastor Holymike, DJ Candice, Colbert Mukwevho, Gusba Banana, Vendaboy Poet, Euphoria, Khakhathi Murida and other local stars.

For more information, contact the area manager Ms Murendeni Mugari on 068 461 1661.

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.