Curro Hazeldean High School in Pretoria witnessed a gold medal moment on Monday, 15 July 2024, as they honoured Grade 12 learner, Bayanda Walaza in a prestigious capping ceremony. The milestone event celebrated Bayanda as the first-ever Olympian to emerge from the independent school group. At just 18 years old, Bayanda has already created global headlines when he earned the title of the fastest teenager in the world, with his stunning 10.13-second sprint in March 2024. The momentous ceremony at Curro Hazeldean began with a procession, leading Bayanda and his Coach Thabo Matebedi (Coach T), into a hall filled with applause and admiration from learners, parents and distinguished guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cobus Loubser, CEO of Curro, commented, “Bayanda’s achievements are a source of immense pride for Curro. His journey from a young, determined athlete to an Olympian is truly inspirational. We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting our learners in achieving their dreams and we are honoured to be part of thousands of developing stories, including those of Olympic greatness. Everyone at Curro wishes Bayanda all the best for the Paris Games.” Bayanda’s selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics follows a series of remarkable accomplishments including competing as part of South Africa’s 4×100 men’s relay national team at the 2024 World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas in May 2024.

From left to right: Cobus Loubser (Curro CEO), Coach T (Bayanda’s coach from Curro Hazeldean), Bayanda Walaza, Ms Tholiwe Walaza (Bayanda’s mom), Pierre le Roux (Executive head of Curro Hazeldean), Marí Lategan (Curro Deputy CEO)

The young sporting star has also triumphed in the South African Junior Championships, claiming titles in both the u20 100m and 200m events and participated in the 23^rd African Senior Championship in Douala, Cameroon in June 2024. Bayanda’s consistent presence and qualification for these iconic competitions underscores his exceptional talent and dedication. Raised by a single mother after the passing of his father when he was just ten years old, Bayanda’s journey to success is a testament to his resilience and determination.

His choice to join Curro Hazeldean on a scholarship was motivated by the school’s renowned athletics programme and coaching expertise. Reflecting on his journey, Bayanda said, “This recognition means the world to me. It’s been a challenging path, but thanks to the support of my mother, Coach T, and everyone at Curro, I’ve been able to achieve great things. I am incredibly proud to represent South Africa on the world stage, and while I am a bit nervous, running is what I do every day, so I just need to stay focused and do my best. I’m very excited about the future and will cherish every moment and opportunity in Paris”. Bayanda’s sprinting journey doesn’t end with the Olympics. Following the Games, he will proudly represent South Africa once again at the World U20 Track & Field Championships in Peru in late August.

Bayanda Walaza