Wits Tang Soo Do athletes are facing major financial hurdles which may prevent them from representing their country.
- Athletes need R50 000 each to go to the championships, the university can only cover up to R10 000
- Donations are being collected through a GoFundMe campaign
- Half the team may have to forfeit their participation
Eleven athletes from Wits Tang Soo Do have been selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Scotland this August, but with funding falling short, the team is calling on the Wits community, alumni, and the public to help cover the remaining costs.
This prestigious selection marks a significant achievement not only for the athletes but also for Wits University’s legacy in sports. However, they are facing financial difficulties.
According to the club’s Chairperson, Lethabo Rabothata, each athlete will need approximately R50 000 to cover expenses such as flights, accommodation, and food for approximately ten days. Wits Sports is only able to contribute between R5 000 and R10 000 per athlete, leaving a massive shortfall. When contacted for comment, Nontuthuko Simelane from Wits Sports said they were not the relevant party to comment on the matter.
The club has launched a GoFundMe campaign and recently hosted a self-defense seminar to raise funds. Wits Tang Soo Do instructor, Master Gregory Hart said, “The club has a GoFundMe campaign, and I think that’s a really good way that the public can get involved because whether you got R20 or R2 000 that all adds up.”
What started out as a moment of celebration has quickly turned bittersweet. Some athletes are now reconsidering their participation. According to Hart, more than half of the selected athletes may not be able to go.
Lethabo Hatang, one of the selected athletes said, “I really do want to represent my club and the country, but the financial burden is quite demotivating.”
The situation has also reignited calls for greater institutional investment in university sports. “The University is not only for academic excellence but also the sporting opportunities it provides. Wits can provide life-changing opportunities not just in terms of their degrees but also in terms of exposure to different sports,” said Hart.
For Wits Tang Soo Do, this journey is about more than medals. It’s about national pride, representation, and the hope of inspiring the next generation of martial artists.
FEATURED IMAGE: One Team. One Spirit. Tang Soo Do! Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
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