By Dylan Bettencourt

• Olympic silver medalist Bayanda Walaza has signed up to study at the Tshwane University of Technology.

• The teenage sprint star from Katlehong made history as South Africa’s youngest Olympic medalist in Paris last year.

Running star Bayanda Walaza is racing towards a new goal – getting his degree at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

The teenage sprinter from Katlehong, who won Olympic silver with South Africa’s relay team in Paris last year, has joined TUT to study Supply Chain Management.

Walaza made history in 2024 when he became the country’s youngest Olympic medalist while still at school. He later won two gold medals at the World Under-20 Championships in Peru.

The fast man from Gauteng chose TUT, even though universities from other countries wanted him.

“TUT is not just a university, it is a community of champions. I’m excited to be part of an environment that values academic and athletic excellence. I am determined to move from good to great in both,” Walaza told TUT.

The champion athlete did well in his matric at Curro Hazeldean High School, getting a Bachelor’s pass with a distinction in IsiZulu.

TUT’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Tinyiko Maluleke welcomed the Olympic star to the university known as the “Home of Champions”.

“TUT is ready to help this indomitable South African athlete accomplish his loftiest academic dreams,” said Maluleke.

Pictured above: Bayanda Walaza.

Source: File