Resilient, strong, and inspiring — these are just a few of the words that describe athletes like Mbasa Qilingele, who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible in sport.
Through Toyota’s Start Your Impossible campaign, the spotlight is on young women like Mbasa and Louzanne Coetzee, who continue to prove that disability is not inability. The campaign calls for greater inclusion and equal opportunity in sport, while showcasing the determination of athletes who refuse to be limited by their circumstances.
Mbasa Qilingele: A Powerlifter Breaking Boundaries
Mbasa is a decorated para-powerlifter who has competed at prestigious international competitions across the globe. She proudly claimed gold in the under-72kg division at the 2018 South African Bench Press Championships, qualifying to compete against able-bodied athletes in the 80kg category.
Despite the challenges she faces, Mbasa has shown extraordinary strength and resilience — pushing past barriers to make her mark on the world stage and inspire youth with disabilities to follow their dreams.
Louzanne Coetzee: A Record-Breaking Athlete
Joining Mbasa in the spotlight is Louzanne Coetzee, a world-class visually impaired runner who has broken records and competed internationally at events such as the Berlin Marathon and the 2019 SASAPD National Championships. With the support of her guide Xavier Adams, Louzanne proves that limitations do not define potential.
Why This Matters
These athletes remind us that disability should never be a barrier to opportunity. With support from organizations like SASAPD and campaigns like Toyota’s Start Your Impossible, more young athletes are getting access to resources, competitions, and recognition they deserve.
At the Mbasa Qilingele Foundation, we share this commitment — building platforms for disabled and non-disabled youth to thrive, lead, and inspire.
Join the Movement
Support the next generation of athletes and changemakers. Your contribution helps create equal opportunities for youth with and without disabilities.
📝 This article was originally published in Drum Magazine on 3 May 2019. We are proud to reflect on this feature as part of Mbasa’s inspiring journey.
