The positivity and unwavering determination sewn into the fabric of Mawethu Mtutu’s being enabled him to defy the odds to live a full life
Rugby has been the one constant in Mawethu Mtutu’s life. It’s long been his greatest passion and changed his life for the better, the worse and the better again.
A multi-talented player, he was comfortable playing scrumhalf, centre and wing but preferred operating at number nine; a position he played for East London-based Home Boys Rugby Football Club in their First Division. An away-game against Moonlight Rugby Football Club at Mooiplaas in 1989 changed his life forever.
“I remember kicking the ball and their number 15 catching it, and kicking it back to me,” Mawethu recalls. “That’s when I was tackled by their flank and seriously injured my neck. I was taken to the nearest clinic and transferred to Frere Hospital where I stayed a few days before being transferred to Conradie Hospital where I was in ICU for five weeks.”
At 21, he was told he would never walk again. He didn’t let that break his spirit. Instead, he threw everything into training. He was in a wheelchair for nine months before he went onto crutches thanks to extensive rehabilitation. Today, he walks with just one crutch.
“Training helped me to be powerful, both physically and mentally,” says Mawethu, who returned to rugby in a different guise in 1992. He was appointed as the coach of the under- 15s and under-19s teams at his former club.
The following year he guided both teams to silverware.
Mawethu had great success in his coaching career, winning several trophies, not just for Home Boys, but as head coach of the CHARU union as well. He’s now back to his true passion; coaching the Home Boys under-15s and under-19s teams.
A chance encounter at a rugby game shaped the next chapter of his life.
“In 2005, my brother in Boksburg called me and suggested that I go to study sewing and make couches. One weekend, I went to watch a game between the Valke and Border. Another spectator asked me about the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund top I was wearing and we started chatting,” Mawethu recalls.
“He asked me what I was doing in the area, and I explained that I was studying sewing and that I’m originally from East London. He said that I should phone him when I’m back in East London as there’s a local sewing factory there and I did after completing my course in 2006.”
“I was accepted by Supported Employment Enterprise factory on a learnership in 2007 and was hired on a permanent basis the following year,” he adds.
A natural, he sews all the clothes that are needed for staff in hospitals, linen and woodwork, which is exported to Cape Town.
“I really enjoy my work and my colleagues and I’m grateful that I can earn an income,” he comments.
Mawethu is a family man as well. He’s married and has three sons, Lukho, Likhona and Luthando aged 18, 21 and 29 respectively. He shares: “I love them dearly. They mean the world to me.”
An inspirational figure, Mawethu walks the walk and talks the talk, saying: “For anyone going through a difficult time, keep working hard and never give up.”
Aside from his family, Mawethu says the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund has been an invaluable part of his support system.
Known as Rugby’s Caring Hands, the Players’ Fund has aided over 500 fallen heroes over the years and currently assists 85 recipients who sustained catastrophic head, neck and spinal injuries playing the game they loved.
“The Players’ Fund has played a big role in my life. They showed me that being injured doesn’t mean it’s the end of your life. They’ve helped me in so many ways and have even made it possible for me to attend rugby games,” Mawethu says.
“My sincerest gratitude to the Players’ Fund for all they’ve done for me and for all they continue to do for me and the other recipients. Thank you to [former Players’ Fund Injured Player Welfare Officer] Gail Baerecke for caring for us recipients and for treating us so well and to Shoneé Cornelissen who’s been great since replacing Gail,” he continues.
Prior to an injured player’s discharge from hospital and in consultation with the rehabilitation team, the Players’ Fund assesses the needs of the recipient and provides support that ranges from the provision of equipment, modification to homes, medical consumable allocations, secondary rehabilitation, financial assistance, transport facilitation, personal care and more.
For more information about the Players’ Fund and to support their cause, visit their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
