Simon Thobatji Ramphele, a distinguished athlete from Norkem Park, is calling on community support to bring his powerful autobiography, I Beat Bruce Fordyce, I Cheated Death: The Life and History of Simon Thobatji Ramphele, A True Story of Human Courage and Survival, to publication. To make this dream a reality, Ramphele is seeking R200,000 in funding to share his incredible story with the world.
The autobiography, now ready for publication, details Ramphele’s extraordinary life journey, from his athletic triumphs, including beating legendary Comrades Marathon champion Bruce Fordyce in time trials, to his miraculous survival after a near-fatal shooting in 2015, where he was struck by two bullets to the heart. His story is one of resilience, strength, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Beyond sharing his personal story, Ramphele’s vision extends to giving back to the running community. He dreams of establishing a high-tech facility in Durban to support underprivileged runners who arrive annually for the Comrades Marathon without proper accommodations. “These runners often sleep on pavements and wash at McDonald’s,” Ramphele explained, highlighting the hardships faced by many participants. The facility aims to provide much-needed shelter and support, ultimately changing the landscape of road running in South Africa.
The book is written by Lesego wa Lesego, who describes it as a spiritual and reflective narrative that explores life’s deeper purpose through the lens of its protagonists. “How do we find our purpose? By being present, non-judgmental, and letting go of negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and hate,” says Lesego. He was moved to write the book after learning about Ramphele’s remarkable survival story and his dreams of uplifting the sport.
Lesego is now calling on South Africans to make a significant impact by purchasing one million copies of the book before the next Comrades Marathon in June 2025, with hopes of setting a Guinness World Record. “Ekurhuleni, charity begins at home. Let’s come together and support one of our own,” he urged, stressing the cultural shift toward reading and learning that this initiative could inspire. He also highlighted the book’s significance for Ekurhuleni, a region known for producing stars like Charlize Theron, Ray Chikapa Phiri, Lira, and Thandi Klaasen.
The book tackles complex themes of resilience, unity, and healing while addressing South Africa’s challenges around race relations and national unity. It calls for a “re-set” in overcoming mistrust and division, offering hope and collaboration as pathways to a better future. Ramphele’s story is a testament to courage, faith, and generosity, encouraging readers to rethink their beliefs and work together for the common good.
To support the project and learn how to donate, contact Lesego at 081 071 3727 or Simon at 082 055 5886. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Let’s come together to help make this inspiring story a reality.
