Netherlands South Africa Sailing Netherlands South Africa

Promising 18-year-old SA sailor stabbed to death near Mossel Bay

news24.com

The South African and global sailing community was left reeling on Wednesday with the news of the passing of one of its finest young talents, Khanya Mafuta.Mafuta, 18, succumbed to injuries sustained in a stabbing incident at the Marikana informal settlement in KwaNonqaba near Mossel Bay.Mafuta was a much-loved member of the Skipper Foundation in Mossel Bay, where he first learned to sail around five years ago.

His commitment and dedication to the sport saw him quickly climbing up the ranks. In July he represented his country for the first time, travelling to the Youth Sailing World Championships in the Netherlands to compete in the 29er class along with teammate Oliver Holden.

It was his first trip outside of the country."We are all absolutely devastated by the news of Khanya's tragic death. He was a truly wonderful young man who worked hard and was forging a promising sailing career that could really have changed his life," said president of SA Sailing, Michael Robinson.SA Sailing transformation officer, Lindani Mchunu, added: "It is heart-breaking that this kind of violence and bloodshed is a daily reality for so many young people in South Africa who are simply trying to follow the right path and improve their lives and those of their families."So many of SA Sailing’s development programmes are specifically aimed at at-risk youth and providing a way out for them by introducing them to sailing, not just as a sport or pastime, but also a possible profession in the maritime industry.

Khanya’s tragic, untimely death shows just how great that risk is."These are the constant dangers and challenges faced by our youth in the environments they live in, so our fervent hope and aim is that sailing can become a pathway out of

Related News
In his pre-Tottenham press conference, Erik ten Hag noted how the packed schedule ahead of the World Cup break is increasing the frequency of injuries for all clubs this season.
Rohit Sharma hit his first international half-century against South Africa on a bouncy Kingsmead track, everyone knew that there was a talent in town. Even as one was appreciative of Rohit's phenomenal talent, little did one know that a team with an average age of around 26 would conquer the world in a format that was very reluctantly accepted by its own board. Fifteen years down the line, another Indian team is hitting the Australian shores to regain the trophy, which once completely changed the demographics of Indian cricket. That was a team led by a new captain and no one knew what to expect of them, but as the 35-year-old Rohit gets ready to step onto the MCG, his team with an average of 30 and half would have to believe in the old adage: Winning is not everything but the only thing.
Manchester United star Donny van de Beek has a ‘queue of clubs’ waiting to end his Old Trafford nightmare in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
It's looking like a long few weeks ahead for Rangers who are down to the bare bones at centre-back.
Manchester United star Donny van de Beek must seal his Old Trafford exit if he is not given more game-time ahead of the World Cup, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Latest News

Change privacy settings
This page might use cookies if your analytics vendor requires them.