Investec South Africa proudly welcomes 28-year-old Mpumelelo Mhlongo to its sponsorship stable. Already employed within the Investec Group Sustainability team, the Paralympian is on track to represent South Africa at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the long jump, 100 metres and 200 metres.
Peta Dixon, Investec South Africa’s head of sponsorships, says that the three-year commitment is all about enabling the talented and hugely hearted Mpumi to reach his maximum potential, “It is an honour to sponsor such a passionate, patriotic, talented and determined athlete: He embodies the Investec culture through and through, and is wholeheartedly committed to achieving his maximum, while improving the lives of those in similar situations to his own. It is our aim to assist him wherever needed because he certainly is one Out of the Ordinary individual!”
While in utero, Mpumelelo was diagnosed with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a syndrome that limits blood flow to certain limb parts, restricting their growth, so says the multiple world record holder,
“In my case, there were amniotic bands that constricted my fingers, as well as my mid to lower right shin. These bands cut off all my toes on my right foot and also started cutting into my right leg. I think I was three months old when I had my first surgery and spent a large part of my first six years in and out of hospitals.”
Having matriculated from Kearsney College with seven distinctions, the multiple world record holder joked that he thought Investec was playing a trick on him when approached for the sponsorship. “I am still in disbelief and feel like I’m riding the crest of a wave. The culture, the people and the importance that Investec places on the value of their people and their lives is what drew me to work for the organisation some time back. When the sponsorships team approached me and offered their support on the road ahead, it provided further testament to the fact that Investec truly is 100% behind their staff in every single way, and always looking for opportunities to support them. Investec is a brand that believes in enjoying your journey and empowering where possible: It is not about medals and records alone. I am grateful for the ongoing support, shall strive to make the organisation proud and look forward to a powerful relationship on field and off it.”
The world games gold medalist and double world championship medalist, who trains up to six hours daily, is extremely involved in many non-profit organisations including The Chaeli Campaign, Steps Clubfoot South Africa and Jumping Kids.
World records held by Mpumelelo Mhlongo – T44:
Long jump
Distance: 7.07m
Venue: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Date: 13 November 2019
100 metres
Time: 11.00s
Venue: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Date: 11 November 2019
200 metres
Time: 22.81s
Venue: Tokyo, Japan
Date: 03 September 2021
2022 Fixtures
6-Apr | NWU, Potchefstroom | ASA Athletics Grand Prix 3 |
13-Apr | Germiston, Johannesburg | ASA Athletics Grand Prix 4 |
21 - 23 Apr | Green Point, Cape Town | ASA Senior Track & Field National Championships |
05 - 07 May | UWC, Cape Town | USSA Track & Field |
20 - 22 May | Tempe, Arizona | Desert Challenge Games |
28-May | Barcelona, Spain | International Para Athletics Meeting (L'Hospitalet) |
18-Jun | Nivelles, Belgium | Meeting Europeen de Nivelles |
27 - 29 Jun | Tunis, Tunisia | 18th Tunis International Meeting - Grand Prix |
1-Jul | Leverkusen, Germany | Heimspiel 2022 |
02 - 08 Aug | Birmingham, UK | Commonwealth Games |