A 58-year-old street hawker from Miluwani village in Sibasa is urging South Africans—particularly the youth—to prioritise their health by exercising at least three times a week.
Fhulufhedzani Masindi, a single mother of four, has been an active runner for more than 30 years. Speaking to the Limpopo Mirror at her fruit and vegetable stall in Sibasa last Thursday, she shared her lifelong passion for athletics and her concern over rising levels of obesity and lifestyle diseases in the country.
Masindi's athletics journey began in 1985 when she was in Grade 6 at Makwarela Primary School. Her talent was spotted during after-school sports activities, and her teachers encouraged her to pursue athletics. "Back in our school days, we used to have regular sporting events after school, and that's where I was spotted as one of the fastest runners," she recalled.
At Raluswielo Secondary School, she continued to thrive, representing the school in the 100 and 200-metre sprints. "Our teachers at Raluswielo taught us about the importance of regular physical exercise. Even after I got married, I never stopped exercising," she added.
Masindi began running marathons in 1984, starting with the Land of Legends Marathon from Thohoyandou to Mphephu Resort.
"I've been competing in different road races since then. I've lost count of how many—definitely more than 100—and I still have the strength to participate in many more," she said.
She is now planning to make history by running from Polokwane to Masingita Mall in Giyani. Explaining her motivation, she said: "I have always aimed to break records in every sport I've taken part in since childhood."
Masindi has also taken part in the Comrades Marathon for the past 10 years. Asked about her experience, especially at her age, she said it remained one of her most cherished events. "There is something special about that race. It's like a drug—once you participate, you can't stop. It gets into your system and keeps calling you to come back and run again," she said.
She encouraged other women in Sibasa and surrounding areas to join her in her daily early-morning roadwork. "It is vital that we exercise for the sake of our health," she said.
Masindi also revealed that she had already bought bricks to build a hall where older residents can exercise and stay healthy. "Through running, I am raising money to finish building the hall," she concluded.