Support for Mhlengi Gwala shows spirit of Ubuntu: Minister
Sports Minister Thokozile Xasa has thanked all those who are supporting Durban triathlete, Mhlengi Gwala.
Gwala is receiving treatment in hospital after sustaining serious wounds to his legs in a chainsaw attack.
He had been on a training ride in the Umbilo area when three assailants attacked him on Tuesday morning.
Concerned citizens have been donating money to an online fundraising campaign.
Xasa visited Gwala in hospital yesterday.
He had been on a training ride in the Umbilo area when three assailants attacked him on Tuesday morning.
Concerned citizens have been donating money to an online fundraising campaign.
Xasa visited Gwala in hospital yesterday.
She said the support for Gwala shows that the spirit of Ubuntu is still alive in society.
"What we are looking for is to make sure that he heals. Also, South Africans have started without Government to come out and support the cause. We are happy with that, we appreciate what they are doing because that is the spirit of Ubuntu that we want to evoke in our communities," she said.
Police are investigating a case of attempted murder.
Meanwhile, Gwala's immediate future as an athlete has been dealt a major blow.
His surgeon Dr O'Sharran Singh says the chainsaw cut through about 80 percent of one of Gwala's legs, causing severe damage.
"In terms of where we stand at the moment, he's stable. I highly doubt he will be able to function at a competitive level in the next year to two years," he said.
The brutal attack on Gwala has grabbed local and international headlines.
"What we are looking for is to make sure that he heals. Also, South Africans have started without Government to come out and support the cause. We are happy with that, we appreciate what they are doing because that is the spirit of Ubuntu that we want to evoke in our communities," she said.
Police are investigating a case of attempted murder.
Meanwhile, Gwala's immediate future as an athlete has been dealt a major blow.
His surgeon Dr O'Sharran Singh says the chainsaw cut through about 80 percent of one of Gwala's legs, causing severe damage.
"In terms of where we stand at the moment, he's stable. I highly doubt he will be able to function at a competitive level in the next year to two years," he said.
The brutal attack on Gwala has grabbed local and international headlines.
Sporting bodies and athletes across the country have condemned the attack.