Disabled activist Mkondisi 'King Nipo' Ntshangase has arrived on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal during his self-funded 5000-kilometer walk, which covers all nine provinces of the country. The goal of this journey is to promote inclusivity for people with disabilities and create safer public spaces.
Ntshangase was warmly welcomed at the Hibiscus Hospital on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday. His campaign, titled 'Walking on One Leg,' has transformed from a personal test of human resilience into a nationwide movement for social change.
Using a prosthetic leg and pushing a heavy trolley, Ntshangase, known as 'King Nipo,' stated that his campaign is driven by a deep desire to fight the stigma associated with disability, advocate for safe places for children to play, and demand structured community development.
The 37-year-old participant, who was met with unexpected warmth by staff at Hibiscus Hospital in Port Shepstone, continues to win over South Africans as his unusual 5000-kilometer journey gains national attention. He began his journey from Union Buildings in Pretoria on May 27, 2026. The route passes through all of South Africa, including Cape Town, East Cape to Gqeberha, then Durban, and finally back to Pretoria.
Passing by the South Coast, Ntshangase received cheers from drivers, encouraging shouts from residents, and live applause by the roadside.
Mlondi Mhize from Hibiscus Hospital noted: 'It was a great honor to welcome Mkondisi Ntshangase at Hibiscus Hospital as he continues his heroic 5000-kilometer walk. Ntshangase's walk expands boundaries to advocate for the inclusivity of people with disabilities and safe places for our children; Mkondisi embodies pure determination.'
Mhize added that, as an athlete with special needs, Ntshangase refused to let physical limitations dictate his impact on society. He emphasized that Ntshangase's epic 5000 km journey highlights the serious deterioration of community infrastructure, particularly vandalized and abandoned sports facilities that deprive youth in settlements and rural areas of safe places to engage in activities. To support his endurance, the hospital provided Ntshangase with a supply of food and energy-sustaining items during his arduous route.
Mhize also stated that children in urban and rural areas deserve safe places to play, grow, and develop through sports. He warned that by allowing facilities to fall into disrepair, we are stealing their future, and that society constantly ignores people with disabilities. He added: 'I am walking to prove that physical differences do not mean a lack of ability, and to call for inclusive sports and community programs that suit everyone.'
Ntshangase shared that he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2012 and had his leg amputated in 2014 when he was 25. He shared that he adapted and continued living a new life, believing that everything he experienced was part of God's plan for his life.
On August 30, 2026, Ntshangase announced reaching a major milestone—passing the halfway point after covering more than 2000 km when he arrived in Gqeberha. In Gqeberha, he received a warm reception from local community members and the Association of Physically Disabled Persons. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped him on this journey.
He clarified that the trip is self-funded. Throughout the entire journey, he has made significant personal sacrifices, including frequent overnight stays at petrol stations and reliance on the generosity of the public and local businesses for supplies.
Despite having thousands of kilometers left, Ntshangase urged everyone who sees him on the highway to clap, cheer him on, and join the call for a safer and more inclusive South Africa. Beyond raising awareness about disability, Ntshangase stated that he intends to use his platform to fundraise for people with disabilities, aid the homeless, and restore damaged sports facilities for children. He wants people to know that his walk continues, and he would like to meet more people along the way with whom he can share his awareness initiative. He called on people to contact him, as this will give him an opportunity to spread awareness.