{"id":22837,"date":"2025-08-14T15:23:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T13:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=22837"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:02:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:02:22","slug":"special-olympics-sa-champions-recognised-worldwide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/special-olympics-sa-champions-recognised-worldwide\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Olympics SA Champions Recognised Worldwide on International Youth Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>International Youth Day has brought a moment of pride for the country. Three inspiring figures from Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) step into the international spotlight. Athlete leader Lumka Ndileka Gogela, her Unified partner Zamangwe Lebogang Mazibuko, and their mentor Busangani Mazibuko have earned places on the prestigious 2025\u20132027 Global Youth Leadership Council (GYLC). This feat cements their standing as influential youth voices in the world of Special Olympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">SIX medals for Team South Africa at the Paralympics! \ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6\ud83d\udcaa Our athletes have pushed their limits, inspiring the nation with their unstoppable spirit and dedication. \ud83d\udc9a\ud83d\udc9b You&#39;ve made Mzansi proud! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TeamSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#TeamSA<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ForMyCountry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ForMyCountry<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Paralympics<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/6WwskNZkvM\">pic.twitter.com\/6WwskNZkvM<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OfficialTeamRSA\/status\/1833458238643110112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">September 10, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-flying-the-south-african-flag-high\">Flying the South African Flag High<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This trio\u2019s selection places them among just 16 outstanding youth leaders globally. They represent all seven Special Olympics regions. Over the next two years, they will bring their ideas, energy, and lived experiences to the GYLC. It is a platform that plays a crucial role in shaping the movement\u2019s direction. This is in the lead-up to the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile, where inclusion will take centre stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ancilla Smith, CEO of Special Olympics South Africa, expressed pride in the announcement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe are deeply honoured that Lumka, Zamangwe, and Busangani will raise the Special Olympics South Africa flag high on this global stage. Their leadership and dedication reflect the true spirit of inclusion and empowerment for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3488459041\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-youth-day-with-a-global-impact\">Youth Day With a Global Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Observed annually on 12 August, International Youth Day recognises young people as catalysts for positive change. This year\u2019s focus aligns perfectly with the work of the three South Africans. It highlights youth who are breaking down barriers to inclusion through platforms like sport and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The GYLC offers them the opportunity to not only represent the country internationally. They also get to influence youth-driven initiatives here at home. Their contributions will be instrumental in planning the 2027 Global Youth Leadership Summit in Chile. It is a gathering designed to inspire collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leading-without-limits\">Leading Without Limits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For<a href=\"https:\/\/www.specialolympics.org\/what-we-do\/youth-and-schools\/youth-leaders\/council\/lumka-ndileka-gogela\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Lumka<\/a>, Zamangwe, and Busangani, this new chapter is about more than titles. It\u2019s proof that leadership has no boundaries. Whether you have an intellectual disability or not, your voice has the power to spark change. Their journey sends a clear message that inclusion is not just a concept but a lived reality worth fighting for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jackie Jodl, Chief Education Officer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodthingsguy.com\/sport\/sa-youth-shine-global-stage-special-olympics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Special Olympics<\/a> International, praised the new council members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cOur new Council members represent the very best of what youth leadership can achieve. Their ideas, energy, and lived experience will help shape a more inclusive world \u2013 from the sports field to classrooms and communities, and ultimately to the global stage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1913280827\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-inspiring-the-next-generation\">Inspiring the Next Generation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The selection of these three leaders underscores South Africa\u2019s role in the global movement for inclusion. It also serves as an inspiration to young people across the country. This shows that dedication, teamwork, and advocacy can open doors to opportunities far beyond national borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the road to the 2027 World Games already in motion, Lumka, Zamangwe, and Busangani will be at the forefront of conversations. They will lead initiatives that aim to break down stigma and create a more understanding society for people with IDD. Their mission is clear \u2013 to change perceptions, inspire unity, and ensure every person\u2019s abilities are recognised and celebrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Special Olympics South Africa celebrates this milestone, the nation watches with pride. These three young leaders are not only representing the country but also shaping the future of inclusion on a global scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-track-and-field-stars-in-gauteng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 10 Track and Field Stars Born and Bred in Gauteng<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>International Youth Day has brought a moment of pride for the country. Three inspiring figures from Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) step into the international spotlight. Athlete leader Lumka Ndileka Gogela, her Unified partner Zamangwe Lebogang Mazibuko, and their mentor Busangani Mazibuko have earned places on the prestigious 2025\u20132027 Global Youth Leadership Council (GYLC). This<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":22865,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"International Youth Day has brought a moment of pride for the country. Three inspiring figures from Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) step into the...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-22837","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22837"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22837\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22871,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22837\/revisions\/22871"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}