Armed with determination and a prosthetic leg, Mqondisi “King Nipho” Ntshangase is taking on a remarkable 5 000km journey across South Africa to demonstrate that disability does not define a person’s potential.
The 37-year-old began his #OneLegWalk journey from his home in Pretoria on May 25, 2026, with the goal of travelling through all nine provinces before returning to the capital.
Originally from Krugersdorp, Ntshangase was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2012 and underwent a leg amputation in 2014, aged 25.
Although adapting to life with a prosthetic leg presented challenges, he has turned his experience into an opportunity to inspire others.
“I want to prove that disability is not inability. There is no limit to what you can achieve,” he said.
Ntshangase reached the halfway mark in Gqeberha on August 21 after walking more than 2 000km. Members of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Nelson Mandela Bay welcomed him in recognition of his achievement.
Now travelling through KwaZulu-Natal, he passed through Scottburgh on Thursday, October 8, and is heading towards Durban before continuing to Mbombela, Polokwane and eventually Pretoria.
Despite the physical demands of the journey, Ntshangase said the support he had received from communities along the route had been overwhelming.
Residents, councillors and mayors have offered food, water, financial assistance and accommodation. Some have even opened their homes to allow him to do laundry and rest.
Travelling entirely at his own expense, he has had to navigate the everyday challenges of finding places to sleep, wash and prepare for the next stretch of his walk.
“The response has been overwhelming. The communities are loving it, and people are so interested in someone making history,” he said.
Beyond challenging perceptions of disability, #OneLegWalk aims to encourage more inclusive communities and support initiatives that improve the lives of vulnerable people.
Ntshangase hopes to help restore vandalised sports facilities, create opportunities for people living with disabilities and support the rehabilitation or construction of shelters for people experiencing homelessness.
He also wants his journey to promote peace, unity and social cohesion, highlighting the importance of ubuntu and communities supporting one another.
As he makes his way towards Durban, Ntshangase is encouraging residents to come out, offer support and become part of a journey that seeks to show what determination, compassion and collective action can achieve.
