IT WASN’T just a good day – it was a great one for Snethemba Ntombela (15). The young athlete had completed her best canoe race yet and had qualified to represent Gauteng at the South African School Sprint Championships in April.
Sne, who lives in Ntsoaledi, a new informal settlement in Devland, Soweto, was celebrating her accomplishment. The teen and her teammates were enjoying kotas before they walked to the Power Park sports complex’s swimming pool, where they often trained.
Then disaster struck.
All Sne can recall is chatting to her friends. Then waking up in the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
“I only remember waking up in hospital,” Sne says softly.
“I don’t remember any details of the crash, or even recall seeing the car approaching me.”
Sne and her teammates had returned to Power Park after taking part in the Gauteng Sprint Championships at the Germiston Victoria Lake Rowing Club.
The girls had packed away their boats in the clubhouse and enjoyed their kotas when they decided to go for a swim in the sports complex’s pool.
Out of nowhere a car crashed into the group, hitting Sne.
Sne’s mom, Simangele Ntombela, claims the driver – who was allegedly drunk – got out of his car and attempted to drag the unconscious teen out of the road.
“I heard from her coach that the driver was trying to flee the scene. Luckily, other people were there who restrained him,” an emotional Simangele says.
The crash left Sne with a shattered right hip and a broken leg. She is unable to walk or sit up comfortably and has undergone two hip operations.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
