As her athletic profile continues to rise, Mbasa Qilingele was recently spotlighted by SA Powerlifting — a national recognition of her talent, leadership, and resilience.
Mbasa has become a leading voice in the para-powerlifting community, not just because of her achievements on the platform, but for her work off it. As founder of the Mbasa Qilingele Foundation, she merges advocacy with athletics, using her platform to call for greater inclusion, accessibility, and support for athletes with disabilities.
Her journey from grassroots training to national recognition is a story of self-belief and community empowerment. Her feature by SA Powerlifting serves as both recognition and inspiration, especially for young athletes looking to follow in her footsteps.
“When young people with disabilities see themselves represented, it changes everything,” she says. “It says: this space is for you too.”
The feature celebrates not only Mbasa’s performance but also her character, consistency, and commitment to growth. It’s a win not just for her — but for every young athlete watching.
