By Motshabi Hoaeane
On October 3rd, abOVEnormal, Africa’s premier sport fitness brand, led by its ambassador Masingita Masunga, launched Masingita Legacy Month — a celebration of her birthday month and a tribute to her life’s work. This initiative reflects her mission to create a lasting legacy that embodies the values she champions, ensuring her impact endures beyond her lifetime. Masunga explained that this was partly inspired by the time she spent reflecting on the loss of her friend and fellow abOVEnormal ambassador, Thabiso Sikwane. Sikwane helped her realise that life’s purpose is fully realised when celebrated through service to others and humanity.
The launch, held at the iconic Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, was attended by African and global dignitaries, thought leaders, and luminaries. Friends, associates, and supporters of the brand, Masingita Masunga, and Thabiso Sikwane gathered to commemorate the occasion, which centered on the theme of “AfriCAN” stories of inclusivity, positivity, and a passion for business across the continent. The event underscored a shared commitment to addressing societal challenges such as inequality, disability rights, mental health awareness, exclusion from economic participation, and pay equity.
The evening’s program was hosted by Newzroom Afrika’s eloquent Katlego Msomi, who shared personal stories from working with Masingita, including a campaign shoot where she dressed as famous African leaders. She remarked, “Masingita made me realize that what may seem impossible to someone else doesn’t have to be my limit.”
Professor Nozizwe King, author of Seven People You Meet on the Way to Success, took the stage to acknowledge the difficulties of pioneering an uncharted path. She encouraged Masingita, saying, “Impossible is only your next level calling you forth to more than you can be,” and commended abOVEnormal’s dedication to using sports to drive social activism.
Former Cabinet Minister Lindiwe Zulu spoke about her initial encounters with Masingita, recalling how governmental bureaucracy often sidelined Masingita’s vision. She emphasised that governmental systems should not hinder the ability of uniquely and diversely abled individuals to access resources and succeed in business, despite the odds.
The keynote address was delivered by former Deputy President of South Africa, HE Baleka Mbete, who spoke with a matriarchal tone, drawing powerful connections between the resilience of women and children during the struggles of colonization and apartheid and the challenges faced by women today. She emphasised the need for a new consciousness in business, one that transcends outdated political constraints. “It takes courage to reclaim one’s agency — not on the oppressor’s terms, but on your own,” she said. Mbete praised Masingita as an embodiment of the indomitable human spirit, highlighting her continued success despite living with cerebral palsy.
Saul Molobi, former Consul-General to Italy and global pan-African brand architect, discussed the importance of nurturing African brands on a global scale, particularly within the context of AI integration and business innovation. He has been instrumental in abOVEnormal’s strategic development, helping position it as a world-class brand with rich local and continental depth.
International speaker Dr David Molapo, who flew in from the United States, delivered an impassioned address on “AfriCAN possibilities,” likening life to currency that must be spent wisely. He challenged the audience to choose between “Facing Everything and Rising” or “Forgetting Everything and Running” in the face of fear. His message emphasized the need for a transformative mindset that empowers the next generation.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the #WalkInMyShoes campaign, in collaboration with the Shoes Moshoeu Foundation. This initiative calls on sports bodies and elite athletes to purchase abOVEnormal shoes for those who cannot afford them, bridging the gap of exclusion caused by the high cost of athletic gear. The campaign will culminate in April 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of legendary footballer John “Shoes” Moshoeu’s passing.
Ayanda Kubeka, facilitator at Shoes of Wisdom (SOW), praised the collaboration, noting that it aligns with SOW’s mission to combat social ills on a broader scale through its Mo-Shoes-4-U initiative.
In the coming weeks, preparations will intensify for the Soweto Marathon tribute to Thabiso Sikwane, marking what would have been her 50th birthday. Fifty prominent individuals, including Masingita Masunga, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lindiwe Zulu, Dr. Hajira Mashego, Sello Maake Ka Ncube, and others, will run to honor her legacy and raise awareness for mental health causes. Each participant will wear custom-designed shirts reflecting Thabiso’s enduring spirit as they run the iconic 42.2 km marathon through the historic streets of Soweto.
This initiative exemplifies the spirit of giving back, as participants honour Thabiso’s commitment to social justice, uniting in their desire to rise above adversity through sports and community support.
