“Tag Gayton McKenzie”: Netballer From Nyanga Seeks Help To Compete in Paris, SA Touched

• A 16-year-old netball star from Cape Town's Nyanga township captured the nation with her dreams of representing Mzansi on an international court
• She shared her story of growing up playing netball, getting a scholarship, and earning her national colour on TikTok while seeking donations for her travel overseas
• Social media users were quick to jump in with encouragement, promising her that she would, and tagging Minister Gayton McKenzie to help make the dream a reality
• Briefly News spoke with Ave Qwede about her love for netball and being selected as part of the Southern Cape Tours team

A young sports star from the Cape Flats won hearts online with her determination to shine on a global stage after being selected to represent the country in Paris.

She posted her story on her TikTok account @avethandwa.q, where people showed her love, support, and hope that she'd make it to the City of Lights.

The rising star's big netball dream

The 16-year-old shared her journey in a heartfelt post, starting from her early netball days at Norma Road Primary in Athlone. She was lucky enough to get into Wynberg Girls' High School through a netball scholarship, where she dominated on the court and never looked back. In 2023, while doing Grade 9, she earned her Western Province colours and later earned a spot on the Southern Cape Tours team.

Now, she is scheduled to travel to Paris to represent Mzansi, but the trip costs around R60K, with no sponsor in sight. She asked the public for help, hoping to take one more step towards her Proteas dream.

See the TikTok post below:

The struggle to get funding

The Briefly News team spoke with Ave about her love for netball and her quest to travel to Paris. We asked her to tell us about her journey from playing netball in primary school to earning a scholarship at Wynberg Girls’ High School. She said:

"My journey started in Norma Road, where I played netball with so much love for the game. Even though we didn’t have the best facilities or equipment, I always gave my best and stayed focused. I joined local teams, trained hard, and took every game seriously. Over time, my dedication finally paid off, and I was awarded a scholarship to Wynberg Girls’ High School in grade 9."

We asked what inspired her to share her story and fundraising appeal on TikTok. The young lady responded:

"I knew I needed help, and I wanted to be honest about that. TikTok felt like the right platform to share my story with people outside my immediate circle. I believed that if people could see where I come from and what I’m working towards, they might be willing to support me. I didn’t expect the response I got, and it’s been really encouraging."

The team asked if her community and online support played any role in motivating her during this time. Ave shared:

"It’s helped me so much. Seeing people believe in me, some of them complete strangers, has reminded me that my dream matters. My community has also been incredibly supportive, cheering me on and reminding me of how far I’ve come. That love and belief keep me going."

Briefly News asked about the biggest challenges the netball player has faced while preparing for this international opportunity. She added:

"One of the biggest challenges has been the pressure, not just to perform well, but also to raise the funds I need. Juggling school, training, and fundraising hasn’t been easy for me and my mom. But I’ve stayed focused, kept organised, and leaned on my support system, which is my mom, when things felt overwhelming."

When asked what message she would like to share with other young girls from townships who have big dreams like hers. Ave said:

"You don’t have to come from a perfect background to chase a big dream. If you stay dedicated, believe in yourself, and ask for help when you need it, anything is possible. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve success because of where you come from. You do, and your story matters."

Mzansi promises to support

Social media users were deeply moved by the young lady's honesty and determination. The comment section lit up with people promising to share her story far and wide until someone important took notice. Many said she should tag the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, confident he'd step in. Others offered to donate or assist with her fundraising.

User @Thembisasafespace said:

"Please, someone tag Minister Gayton McKenzie to assist this child star of ours🌹."

User @Phelisa Mrawusi added:

"Hey, Mamie. Firstly, congratulations on making it 🔥. We don’t know each other, but I'm so proud of your bravery for asking for help, and I promise you you will get to Paris 🔥."

User @ok051573 shared:

"Netball SA and Gayton McKenzie would be highly interested in your matter. I highly support what you have done. Continue being a shining star, young girl. Our country needs more youth of your Calibre."

User @Thobeka Mdakane Tebe commented:

"As South Africans, this is nothing for us. We will make sure you make it, dear. We are always there for each other in good and bad times."

User @siviwembambisa noted:

"We have a minister who serves in this department, my child. He will definitely listen to your story."

User @Xoliswa Ngqokotya 🇿🇦 advised:

"Go to the Arts and Culture offices near you. Ask them to help you.""

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• A Grade 12 teacher offered to help her learners with subject revision during the Easter holidays, but when she got to the school, none of them were there.

Source: Briefly News