Mpumelelo Mhlongo | Building generational wealth as an athlete
South Africans love their sport and their sporting heroes. But behind the medals and applause, many athletes face a harder reality. Careers can be cut short by injury, age, or limited opportunity. Add the challenge of financial literacy, and it’s clear that navigating sport and money isn’t always straightforward.
In this episode of Everything Counts: Sports Edition, host Motheo Khoaripe sits down with Investec sponsored Paralympic record-holder and track-and-field star Mpumelelo Mhlongo to explore the lessons that have shaped his journey, both on the track and in finance.
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Everything Counts: Sports Edition | Episode 43: How Mpumelelo Mhlongo invested his first pay cheque
In this episode of Everything Counts: Sports Edition, Investec sponsored Paralympic record holder Mpumelelo Mhlongo shares how he approached money with the same discipline he applies to sport − investing his first serious paycheque, supporting his family and building generational wealth that will outlast his career.
From scholarships and setbacks to smart contracts and long-term investing, this is a conversation about resilience, financial literacy and legacy.
Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s journey from Chatsworth to the world stage
Mpumelelo’s story begins in Klaarwater, a township in Durban, where he was known as the fastest kid in the neighbourhood. Born with amniotic band syndrome and a deformed clubfoot, he learned early that resilience and determination were critical to overcoming physical and social challenges.
"Kids can be ruthless in terms of how mean they are with their honesty. I mean, how do you explain in isiZulu, amniotic band syndrome with a deformed club foot?"
His mother provided protection and guidance, ensuring that Mpumelelo never internalised the idea of disability as limitation.
Sport gave him identity and purpose, while life at home introduced early lessons in responsibility and money. Doing chores for relatives, he earned small amounts of money that sparked his first understanding of value and exchange, a seed for the financial discipline he would cultivate later.
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Education, scholarships and the first taste of financial responsibility
Mpumelelo’s academic journey was equally formative. After losing his athletic scholarship in grade nine, he was challenged to excel academically to continue his education. With the support of teachers and mentors, he earned another scholarship, eventually studying at the University of Cape Town on a bursary that paid him more than his family’s entire monthly income.
Rather than spending impulsively, he used his income strategically, helping pay his family’s mortgage and creating opportunities for 32 extended family members to access quality education. When it comes to athletes and money, Mpumelelo’s early lessons became clear: money is not just for immediate gratification, it can empower families and communities.
Athlete money management: Discipline on and off the track
Throughout his career, Mpumelelo approached finances with the same discipline he applied to sport. He established emergency funds, invested bonuses into long-term instruments and treated his income like energy, something to be allocated thoughtfully.
“If you treat money the same way you treat your energy, you have to invest and be intentional,” Mpumelelo explains.
By asking the right questions before signing contracts, prioritising resources and focusing on long-term growth, he demonstrated the importance of smart money management for sustained success.
Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s mentorship and community impact
Mpumelelo credits much of his growth to the mentors and coaches who shaped his path. Coach Jason Ana, in particular, played a pivotal role, not just in athletics, but in instilling financial responsibility and strategic thinking.
These lessons extended beyond sport: Mpumelelo has partnered with organisations like Jumping Kids to help children with amputations access education and sporting opportunities.
Family and financial planning
Mpumelelo’s approach to finances isn’t just about career longevity; it’s about securing the future for loved ones. From saving for a ring for his future wife to investing in property and education, he demonstrates that athletes and money intersect with personal values, legacy, and community impact.
He emphasises that true wealth is about creating resources for future generations:
“If I plant a seed to grow a tree today, the shade is for someone else to enjoy. That’s how we should look at wealth.”
Money management advice for athlete
From scholarships to first contracts, from financial mistakes to disciplined investments, Mpumelelo’s journey offers actionable insights for anyone navigating the pressures of sport, career and finance.
Key takeaways include:
- Start early: Even small, consistent investments can grow into meaningful wealth over time
- Treat money like energy: Allocate it intentionally, with clear goals and priorities
- Ask the right questions: Before signing contracts, explore ways money can be invested in your development
- Plan beyond your career: Consider the legacy you want to leave and how your resources can empower others
- Leverage mentorship and community: Guidance from experienced mentors and collaboration within your sporting network can provide invaluable support.
Mpumelelo Mhlongo’s story is a reminder that success isn’t only about natural talent, it’s about resilience, discipline, mentorship and thoughtful money management. By approaching finances with intention, athletes can secure their own futures while also creating opportunities for the generations that follow.
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