Tears when they tell their story

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Many people had tears in their eyes on Tuesday when the athlete Xolani Luvuno and his manager, Hein Venter, spoke at a function of the George Business Chamber at the George Arts Theatre. Luvuno, who earned instant fame last year when he completed the whole Comrades marathon on crutches, was in George to participate in the blade category of the Run 2 Raise charity road race.

Earlier this year he also participated in the Ironman competition in Port Elizabeth and missed the cut-off time with mere minutes.

It has been a long journey for the 34-year-old Luvuno. He was born in the Eastern Cape and lived on the streets of Port Elizabeth. He was arrested for house robbery and was sentenced to five years in jail. Soon after his release he noticed pain in his right leg. He was diagnosed with bone cancer and his right leg was amputated above the knee. He was addicted to drugs, slept on the street and stood at roadsides begging for food and money.

In April 2016 his life changed when businessman Hein Venter came to his help in Centurion. Their journey together started after Venter, who used to see Luvuno begging on street corners, eventually started talking to him.

Xolani Luvuno with Dr Dennis Farrell, chairperson of the George Business Chamber.

Venter told the audience that Luvuno's recovery was not without challenges. At one stage he was still drinking and the running was a wonderful distraction.

He said business people don't realise that they are in a privileged position and that they can make a positive difference. He added it is not necessary to feel guilty when you are successful.

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He emphasised that there are other ways besides money to make a difference, for example through mentorship. If you don't turn somebody's mind, then money will often go down as an asset wasted. More important is the hour that you spend with someone.

Venter and Luvuno referred to each other as "my son" and "my father".

Luvuno talked about the great role that Venter plays in his life. He told the George Herald he is planning to participate in the Comrades marathon on 9 June, using a running blade this year, and hopes to finish the race before the cut-off time. He loves sport and thinks it could be used to uplift the youth.

Luvuno believes nothing is impossible. His advice to other athletes is to just keep moving. "Just be strong when it is difficult. Nothing should stand in your way," he said.

Dr Dennis Farrell, chairperson of the George Business Chamber (far right), welcomes the audience and the panel on the stage. From left are Ingrid Cronje, Elna Schwartz, Xolani Luvuno and his manager, Hein Venter.