Khanyolwethu Secondary School’s Boholo Ramaola had thought that her dream of going overseas for the first time would slip right out of her fingers. Ramaola’s passport application process took turns that she never expected.
After her parents passed away, her aunt Malefu Ramaola took over the responsibility of raising her and her three siblings; however, because the legal process of guardianship was never completed, this created obstacles when the centre court player had to get her travel documents.
Ramaola is part of the Khanyolwethu team that won the 2026 DStv Schools Netball Challenge, powered by Bestmed Medical Scheme. For their efforts, the team was awarded a trip to the United Kingdom, where they would play with four teams, including the England Under-18 side. She played a key role that saw the Western Cape side produce impressive performances at the three-day national finals held in July.
“I was young when my father died, so we were raised by my mother, but she also passed away in 2020. Then my aunt had to raise us,” says Ramaola.
She started playing netball at the age of 10 in her street with her friends until her older sister Bonolo saw the potential she had in the sport and approached a lady named Ritha Mawisa to join her team. Her small stature, her height, and her quick runs determined her position in the team. Not having resources like sneakers didn’t deter her enthusiasm from learning and playing the sport. She played for school and clubs including Celtic Netball Academy, a community-based development programme, in Strand.
“I had gone to the Home Affairs Department offices with my teacher, Miss (Nokubonga) Bilikwana, but when we got there, we were told she wouldn’t be able to help me apply for my passport because she wasn’t my parent or guardian. That was the start of the issues,” she says.
DOUBLE YOLK MOMENT
Even though Malefu had looked after and raised her nieces and nephews for years, the legal process of guardianship rights for application had to take place in order for Ramaola to travel overseas for the first time. This took several appearances at the Western Cape High Court for the process to be completed.
“Everyone in the team had their passports now, I was the only one who still didn’t have one. It looked like I would not go anymore. There was a point where I would pray and tell my mom that she needs to wake up so she can help me sort out the problems with the documents,” recalls an emotional Ramaola.
Finding a double yolk while making something to eat was a sign that gave her belief that she would be able to receive her travel documents in time and be able to travel with the team. Ramaola is thrilled that she was able to travel with the team and enjoy the fruit of her labour.
“I am happy that I have been able to make my parents proud about how far I’ve gone in my netball journey. I think I have become an example to my siblings that sport can take you places. I’ve made my family proud and I want to continue doing so because someday I want to wear the green and gold, to represent South Africa and change my family’s situation through netball,” she says.