FROM KHAYE TO CALI

Story and pictures by Armand Hough 

TWO adaptive surfers from Khayelitsha are preparing to take on the world. 

Noluthando Makalima and Raemondo Lessing, both proud members of the Roxy Davis Foundation, have been selected to represent South Africa at the 2025 World Para Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California, from 2 to 7 November. 

The pair competed earlier this year at the South African Para Surfing Championships in May, where they earned their place on the national team. 

For both athletes, the chance to compete on the world stage is a dream come true, but one that comes with immense challenges. 

As is often the case in para sports, the athletes are required to self-fund their participation, covering flights, accommodation, gear, coaching and support. 

Without financial assistance, these surfers risk missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Through the Khaye to Cali campaign, supporters are invited to help Noluthando and Raemondo make the journey. 

Single mom Noluthando said: “Para surfing is more than a sport to me, it is a way of proving that limitations can be redefined, and dreams can be achieved through discipline, resilience, and faith.”

Raemondo added: “After surviving a life-changing event that resulted in the loss of all four of my limbs, my family and I faced a long and difficult journey and despite the odds, I refused to let my circumstances define my future. 

“I discovered adaptive surfing, and it completely transformed my life.” 

Backing their bid is not only about getting two athletes to California, but also about representation, inclusion, and hope. 

By supporting them, donors will help show that young South Africans from under-resourced communities can shine globally, empower surfers with disabilities to compete at the highest level, and prove to children in Khayelitsha that their dreams are valid and achievable. 

Roxy Davis of the Roxy Davis Foundation said: “We have less than four weeks to get our athletes to the championships, they have to fund themselves… 

“We started a campaign from Khaye to Cali to try and get them to the championships and to represent South Africa proudly at the championships.” 

To help with the campaign, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/khaye-to-cali-para-surfers-to-world-champs