From ball picker to national champion: The resilient rise of Sthabile Mnyandu

At the age of six, Sthabile Mnyandu's life changed forever. Caught in a grass fire that nearly cost her her life, she began a long, gruelling recovery defined by pain and uncertainty.

Today, she is no longer defined by that fire, but by the resilience it forged.

“The physical challenges I faced were real and constant,” Mnyandu told Eyewitness News. “With surgeries and skin grafts on my hands, even the simplest movements were not easy. I had to relearn how to use my body in ways that worked for me.”

The recovery required her to adapt her grip, control, and endurance. While there were moments of deep frustration, she refused to let them become permanent.

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“I kept going. Over time, I developed a unique playing style that reflects my journey, one built on resilience, patience, and determination. My challenges didn’t stop me; they shaped me.”

Mnyandu admits that during her initial recovery, athletics were far from her mind. However, as she adjusted to her new reality, she realised her identity wasn't tethered to her trauma.

“When I was introduced to sport again, it reignited something within me,” she said. “Table tennis became more than just a game, it became my escape, my therapy, and ultimately, my purpose. It gave me a new identity and a new way to believe in myself again.”

Her journey to the top of the podium began humbly. Mnyandu started her career as a ball picker, watching from the sidelines during training sessions.

“I would stand on the sidelines, watching closely, learning without even realising it. Over time, that curiosity became desire, and that desire became purpose,” she said.

By 2010, she was competing seriously. She officially began representing KwaZulu-Natal that year, and by 2015, she made her debut for South Africa.

“Looking back, it’s incredible to see how something so small—just picking up balls—grew into a career that has taken me onto national and international stages.”

Mnyandu is currently the 2025 South African Champion in the Para TT10 division. As of late 2023, she holds the No. 1 ranking in South Africa and No. 2 in Africa for her class.

Her success isn't limited to the para-circuit; in 2025, she achieved a significant milestone by winning a medal in an able-bodied team event at the SA Championships.

Off the court, the athlete is a vocal advocate for disability rights, burn survivors, and women’s rights. She frequently partners with local initiatives to build confidence in young girls through pageantry and sport.

“To every young girl in South Africa living with a disability: your story does not end where your challenges begin,” she said. “Do not let anyone tell you what you cannot do. Your dreams are valid.”

Despite her accolades, including being named the 2024 KZN Sport Personality of the Year alongside icons like Eben Etzebeth and Keshav Maharaj, Mnyandu faces significant hurdles, specifically regarding funding.

“One of the biggest challenges I face is access to consistent international competition,” she explained. “If I were to receive strong sponsorship support, my immediate focus would be to compete regularly in ITTF international tournaments.”

These tournaments are the key to improving her global ranking and securing a spot in the Paralympic Games.

As she prepares for the upcoming KZN Sports Awards in Durban on April 18, 2026, where she is once again nominated for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, Mnyandu remains focused on the grind.

“It reflects the hard work, the sacrifices, and the journey I continue to walk every single day,” she said. “I work extremely hard for moments like these, and being recognised again means everything to me.”