HANKEY – For eight-year-old amputee and rugby enthusiast Oluthando “Olu” Nkosinkulu, his birthday on 5 August became a day he will never forget after his rugby hero, Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe, surprised him with a special video message.

Oluthando, a learner at Hankey Primary School and a keen rugby player, was overwhelmed when he watched the video in which Cheslin wished him a happy birthday, praised his resilience and told him that his story was inspiring.

“When I saw the video, my heart almost stopped, and my whole body was shivering,” said Oluthando.

In the video, Cheslin told Oluthando he knew he had faced many challenges but had continued to rise above them.

“I just want to say, I am massively proud of you,” said Cheslin.

“You don’t let anything put you down, and you keep rising and enjoying yourself, no matter the circumstances or the challenges you face and go through.”

Cheslin also encouraged Oluthando to continue working hard, enjoying his rugby and putting his faith in God.

“Continue to believe and put your faith in God because he has a plan for each and every one of us,” said Cheslin.

Cheslin ended the message by saying he hoped to meet Oluthando in person one day.

“Your story alone is very inspiring. Not just to me, but to a lot of people out there as well,” said Cheslin.

For Oluthando, hearing those words from his favourite Springbok meant a great deal.

“It felt good that my rugby hero also sees me as an inspiration, but he is my inspiration, and I want to be like him one day,” said Oluthando.

His favourite part of the message was hearing Cheslin acknowledge the challenges he had faced.

“It’s amazing to know that Cheslin knows my story,” said Oluthando.

If he gets the opportunity to meet Cheslin, Oluthando already knows exactly what he wants to do.

“I would first hug him and say you mean the world to me and then ask him to please teach me to step,” said Oluthando.

The surprise was made possible after activist and social media personality Billy Claasen, who is based in the Western Cape, reached out to Oluthando’s mother, Natasha, after reading about their story in various news outlets last year.

The two have remained in contact, and Billy recently arranged for Cheslin to record the birthday message, which he then shared with Natasha.

Natasha said she had to arrange with Oluthando’s school for him to watch the video on his birthday.

Cheslin’s message about faith in God also deeply resonated with Natasha, who has previously spoken about trusting God throughout her son’s journey.

“I still believe that everything that happened in Olu’s life is because I put my faith in God when I decided to keep Olu. I still think Olu is God’s reward to me, and that everything that is happens to Olu is God’s reward to us,” said Natasha.

“The video touched my heart, and it was amazing to hear Cheslin’s message to Olu and to know that he also told Olu to never stop trusting in God because I tell Olu that every day.”

Oluthando’s journey has been marked by challenges from before he was born.

As previously reported, when Natasha was seven months pregnant, doctors discovered that Oluthando’s foot was connected underneath his knee and warned that the baby might not survive.

When he was born, doctors confirmed that he had no other disabilities except for his short leg.

On 4 August 2018, a day before his first birthday, part of his foot was amputated, and his leg was lengthened to accommodate a future prosthesis.

Natasha said the journey to securing a new prosthetic leg began in 2025 after Oluthando outgrew his previous one.

She made an appointment with his doctor, Dr Ruan Lundt, who, to her surprise, offered to pay for the most expensive part of the prosthetic leg while Good Samaritan Hennie van Zyl generously paid for the outstanding balance.

Natasha said Oluthando has adapted well to his prosthetic leg and is now living life as a happy child.

“If he could sleep in the prosthetic leg, he would. He doesn’t really use crutches anymore unless his stump is a little sore, but he’s doing good. He is just a happy child and enjoys life to the fullest,” said Natasha.

She said Oluthando celebrated his birthday with a party at school, where he took cupcakes featuring himself and Cheslin.

Natasha said the design was based on an image she had previously created using ChatGPT, depicting Oluthando as a Springbok rugby player with his face and a blade on his leg.

“Olu took the cake and he kissed it and he said he would never forget that Cheslin spoke to him. I think my child’s year is made,” said Natasha.

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