Zibele Bala is an avid trail runner hailing from Khayelitsha who has made it his mission to not only represent his community on a world-class stage, but to bring them along with him. “I want the next Toni McCann or Kane Reilly to come from Khayelitsha. I want these children to dream big because they can do it, and I am going to help them get there,” he says. His story is one of not only individual excellence despite all odds, but one of community upliftment too.
A legacy of running, and a switch to the trails
“Running is in my blood,” says Zibele, who details how his father was a runner too and remains as someone he constantly draws inspiration from and seeks to make proud. “I am living out his legacy,” explains Zibele.
However, unlike his predecessors Zibele has taken to the trails over the road, and explains that it was because of various community members drawing him in and helping him with the transition that he was able to make this switch. “You see, although the great outdoors is technically available to all, access to these trails often requires transport, with few to almost no public transport options taking you to trail heads, and expensive specialized gear required such as trail shoes, hydration vests and bottles,” he says.
“In 2018, I was working as a volunteer firefighter in the Helderberg area. That’s when I got acquainted with the Run Helderberg Runcrew. I expressed interest in wanting to join and their leader Frances Fuchs took me under his wing. Alfred Thorpe and Shirley Gilbey were also so welcoming,” Zibele fondly reflects. “We used to run super early in the morning; they showed me the ropes and gave me the confidence and support to fall in love with this new version of running,” he adds.
Frances and the Helderberg Crew then took it a step further by sponsoring Zibele’s first race – the Maxi Race – a year later. He placed fifth in the marathon distance, showcasing his natural affinity for trail running, and of course his hard work and dedication to the sport. It is this very combination that has seen Zibele placing at numerous races since, and it is why many members of the running community continue to invest in him through sponsoring entries, gear and nutrition.
A full circle moment as Zibele begins taking others on their first trail run
And while Zibele has seen the benefits of a helping hand in his own life, he strives to be that for others too. Hailing from Khayelitsha, Zibele notes how lack of finances and also lack of access really impact the younger generation’s ability to access the mountain and natural spaces. Inspired by Zibele, or ‘Uncle Bala’ as he’s fondly called, the children often ask him to take them to the mountain, and share this space and experience with them.
It’s not a simple task by any means, but one that ‘Uncle Bala’ gladly rises to when afforded the time and some extra finances. Zibele often organizes trips with the children, whom’s parents he first asks for consent, taking them via taxi to the city center. From there, it’s an Uber ride to the trail heads, followed by a guided run. He always makes sure the children have a snack afterwards too, before calling another Uber and starting the long journey home. Self-funded and out of his own pocket, these excursions show Zibele’s steadfast investment and belief in his community.
Trail Taxi enters the picture
This is where Trail Taxi enters the picture. Trail Taxi is an initiative founded by Toni McCann that aims to increase access to the mountains for senior school goers living in peri urban areas. Formalizing the work that Zibele had previously been trying to do on his own, this collaboration was a no-brainer, and one that he eagerly got involved with.
He now leads groups monthly, if not bi-monthly, and enjoys giving back to the community in this way. He mentioned that he still does his informal runs with children from his direct community, as Trail Taxi does not service this area yet, in addition to the volunteering he does through Trail Taxi. “The more I see these children on the trails, the more I believe that we have so many potential athletes living amongst us. I want them to shine,” says Zibele as he works tirelessly to give these children the exposure they need to excel.
Zibele’s Otter aspirations
This year, Zibele has been gifted an Otter entry from Trail Taxi, and so we see yet another full circle moment of community supporting community. His aspirations are big and he aims to inspire the children around him on this world-class stage. “I want to show them that the boy from Khayelitsha with minimal resources and backing can excel. That they can chase their biggest dreams. That anything is possible,” he says. Ultimately, he’s gunning for a top twenty spot, in a very competitive field, and we can’t wait to watch him achieve this.