Stellenbosch to host Africa’s elite para-athletes at national champs

South Africa’s elite para-athletes are set to compete this weekend as the national championships get underway in the Western Cape.

The 2026 Toyota SASAPD National Championships will begin this Saturday at Stellenbosch’s Coetzenburg Stadium, with the competition running through Tuesday.

The championships will feature a diverse range of sporting codes, including: Para-athletics, Boccia, Para-cycling, CP football, Goalball, Para-judo and Para-powerlifting.

A host of Team SA Paralympians will be on display, led by several decorated medalists. Key athletes to watch include Simone Kruger (discus and shot put), Mpumelelo Mhlongo (100m and long jump), and Louzanne Coetzee (1500m and 5000m), all of whom reached the podium at the Paris 2024 Games. They will be joined by Tokyo 2020 medalist Sheryl James (100m and 200m).

While the focus remains on South African talent, the event maintains a strong continental and international presence. Athletes from Germany, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo are also scheduled to be in action.