Not only the Soutpansberg, but South Africa as a whole, will be holding thumbs for para-athlete and coach Sheryl James this afternoon as she makes her Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow.
James is scheduled to compete in the women’s 100m T37/38 heats at 13:55 (South African time), marking the start of what she hopes will be another successful chapter in an already distinguished international career.
She is not the only local athlete flying the Soutpansberg flag in Scotland. Joining her in Team South Africa is Masala Makatu from Kutama, whom James has coached over the past few years. Makatu, who will compete in the mixed-class T11/T12 100m event for visually impaired athletes, is also making his Commonwealth Games debut.
Earlier today, James, who will also compete in the 200m event, shared an emotional message on social media ahead of her race.
“It is an honour to represent Team South Africa at this prestigious event. I feel ready to run, coach and inspire on and off the track for my country. Thanks for the support, everyone. I appreciate it and feel ready. It’s time to be fully present in faith and focus.”
James, a hemiplegic athlete with impaired muscle function on her right side, has enjoyed an outstanding international career. She won bronze in the 400m at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, claimed numerous gold and silver medals on the international Grand Prix circuit, won bronze at the 2019 World Championships in Dubai and the 2025 World Championships in India, and represented South Africa at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Glasgow Games represent another milestone in a remarkable journey that has seen James become not only one of South Africa’s leading para-athletes but also a respected coach.
Makatu’s selection is equally significant. After being identified and coached by James while a learner at Rivoni School for the Blind, he has developed into one of South Africa’s most promising para-athletes. He earned selection for Team South Africa after winning a silver medal at the 2025 Dubai Grand Prix, followed by gold medals at the 2026 Toyota SASAPD National Championships, the Cape Winelands Continental Competition and the Akani Simbine Classic earlier this year.
As James takes to the track this afternoon, supporters from the Soutpansberg, Limpopo and across South Africa will be hoping she gets her Commonwealth Games campaign off to the perfect start, while also wishing Makatu every success on his Commonwealth Games journey.