Someone recently asked me how I manage to start conversations with just anyone. Honestly? I didn’t have an answer. It just happens bangani.
Maybe it’s a superpower, or maybe I just have an overactive mouth. Either way, the universe keeps rewarding me with the most incredible encounters. And once again, my big mouth and personality led me to a gem of a human being: Siboniso Soldaka.
On January 24th 2025, I was en route to Johannesburg for my WOSSO Fellowship and the AfWID Forum, excited to soak in knowledge and connect with brilliant minds. Little did I know that the first great connection of my trip would happen before I even boarded my flight.
While waiting to board at Cape Town International Airport, I found myself—yet again—engaged in conversation. It started casually. One gentleman spoke passionately about his love for playing drums, another was a sports coach, and between them stood a quiet but attentive man, listening rather than speaking.
Now, if you know me, you know I can’t just let someone stand there silently. So, naturally, I turned to him, asked a few questions, and—boom!—that’s how I met Siboniso Soldaka, a name I won’t soon forget.
We spoke about sports, training, and competition, but it wasn’t until we were about to part ways—right before boarding—that I discovered something that left me absolutely speechless: Siboniso is from my very own hometown, Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape!
The universe really said, Here, have a small-world moment!
As if meeting a fellow Sterkspruit native in such an unexpected way wasn’t magical enough, I also discovered that Siboniso is a national champion in the 3000m steeplechase.
Now, before this encounter, I had never even heard of steeplechase. Was it just running? Some sort of obstacle course? Was there a horse involved? (Okay, that last thought was ridiculous, but cut me some slack—I was clueless.)
Siboniso, ever the humble and patient soul, explained his sport to me. And let me tell you, I now have a deep appreciation for the steeplechase. It’s not just running—it’s running on expert mode. Athletes must navigate barriers and water jumps while maintaining speed and endurance. Grueling? Absolutely. But for Siboniso, it’s a way of life.
Siboniso isn’t just any athlete—he’s a force to be reckoned with. His journey in track and field has been nothing short of remarkable.
Born and raised in a small town with limited access to elite training facilities, he didn’t have the luxuries that many top athletes enjoy. But what he did have was an unshakable will, a hunger for success, and the discipline to put in the hard work.
From his early days of running barefoot on village roads to standing atop the podium at national championships, his story is one of perseverance, talent, and determination.
In 2023, he stunned the country when he clinched the South African national title in the 3000m steeplechase, proving that he was the best in the country. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to compete at international levels, steadily making a name for himself in African athletics.
Now, in April 2025, he is set to defend his national title at the South African Athletics Championships in Potchefstroom. But his ambitions don’t stop at just being the best in the country—he’s aiming for the world stage.
After the national championships, Siboniso will be heading to Europe to compete against top international athletes. His goal? Qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, later this year.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that. He’s not just running in circles (literally)—he’s running toward greatness.
Beyond his achievements, what struck me most about Siboniso was his humility and quiet confidence. He doesn’t brag about his success. He doesn’t carry himself with arrogance. Instead, he lets his hard work and results speak for him.
For young athletes back home in Sterkspruit and across rural South Africa, he is a beacon of hope—a reminder that greatness isn’t limited to big cities or fancy training academies. It’s about dedication, resilience, and pushing through obstacles (both literal and figurative).
Before we parted ways—thanks to airlines and their love for seat separation—I asked if we could take a picture together. I told him I was going to blog about our encounter, his sport, and his achievements because, honestly, I had never heard of steeplechase before. And I love learning new things.
This wasn’t just a casual airport chat—it was a moment of inspiration. Meeting someone like Siboniso reminded me of the power of hard work, passion, and staying true to your goals.
We always hear about international sports stars, but how often do we take a moment to truly celebrate our own champions? Siboniso Soldaka is one of South Africa’s finest athletes, and the world needs to continue hearing his name.
He’s out there, training every day, pushing himself to the limit, and carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. He’s representing Sterkspruit, the Eastern Cape, and South Africa on the global stage—and that deserves all the recognition in the world.
So here’s to Siboniso Soldaka—the champion, the steeplechase expert, and the guy who unknowingly gave me a free sports lesson at the airport.
The world needs more people like him. And me? I’ll just keep talking to strangers because, clearly, it’s working out pretty well for me
