By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – From the mountains of Tseseng to one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges, 29-year old Norman Mokoena has thrust himself — and South Africa — onto the global adventure racing stage.
Mokoena was part of a four-member South African team that competed in a gruelling seven-day international adventure race in KwaZulu-Natal from 15 to 21 March, facing elite competitors from France, Namibia, Russia, Germany and Brazil.
The race, known for its punishing terrain and extreme physical demands, tested athletes across multiple disciplines — from mountain navigation to river crossings — pushing competitors to their absolute limits.
“It was mind-blowing. The level of intensity was extremely high,” Mokoena said.
In a sport still widely perceived as exclusive, Mokoena’s team stood out as the only black team among the international field — a milestone he says carries deep significance.
“This sport is still seen by some as something for white people. But we are changing that,” he said.
His team brought together athletes from across the country, with two members from Gauteng, one from Limpopo, and Mokoena representing the Free State.
For Mokoena, the journey began in the rugged terrain of Tseseng, where his love for the outdoors was shaped.
“Growing up, I spent most of my time in the mountains. That’s where this passion started,” he said.
What began as a hobby has now become a profession — and a calling.“I’m doing what I love for a living. It started small, but now it’s my life.”
Mokoena’s skill set spans some of the most demanding adventure disciplines, including rock climbing, abseiling, river rafting, ziplining and technical wall climbing.
And he is far from done.
He has now set his sights on ice climbing — one of the most extreme and least accessible forms of the sport.“I want to push myself even further. Ice climbing is the next challenge,” he said.
As he continues to break barriers, Mokoena is not only chasing personal limits but also opening doors for others to follow.
