Bayanda Walaza races for gold in Showmax call to Africa
Gold medallists Bayanda Walaza, from right, Sinesipho Dambile, Akani Simbine and Bradley Nkoana won the men's 4x100m relay during the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. Photo: AFP
Joining him is the cream of the crop of local talent: global challengers Grammy winner Tyla, amapiano DJ Kabza de Small, MaXhosa luxury of Laduma Ngxokolo, graphic artist Karabo Poppy, as well as actress Kealeboga Masango of
Youngins fame, reality star and billionaire's wife Sorisha Naidoo (The Real Housewives of Durban), entrepreneur and fellow The Real Housewives star Nonku Williams, and hip-hop artist, Adulting actor and Big Brother Mzansi star Luthando BU Mthembu. They're all part of a creative uprising that pulses with the energy of our streets, our rhythms, and our stories.
Voiced by Thuso Mbedu, and featuring the track 'Stay Shining' by Riky Rick, Showmax's Watch Us ad is a bold call as South African culture rewrites the global playbook. The future is here, and it's draped in beadwork, beats, and unshakeable pride.
With every step he takes, Bayanda Walaza shows that world-class talent isn't emerging; it's arrived. As Showmax celebrates homegrown excellence, the message is clear: Watch Us – because the world already is.
We sat down with the young runner to talk about his journey, what keeps him grounded, and what it means to carry the dreams of a generation at full speed.
What does it mean to be featured by a proudly South African platform, Showmax, that's focused on telling our stories, not the world's version of them? Yoh, it's an honour, man! Being part of something that's ours – that speaks in our voices and shows where we come from – is big for me. Too often people only see the world's version of who we are. But platforms like Showmax remind us and the world that our stories matter and we can tell them better than anyone. And I'm proud to be part of telling them.
Track and field is deeply personal. How has growing up in South Africa shaped your strength, mentally and physically?
Growing up here teaches you to be tough. We face challenges on and off the track – you've got to hustle, stay humble, and believe in yourself even when the odds are stacked. That's made me mentally strong. As an athlete flying the flag internationally, what does it mean to wear South Africa not just on your uniform, but in your soul?
Ah man, it means everything. When I step onto that track, I'm carrying more than a flag: I'm carrying my people, my family, my community, my country's hope. It's about pride, resilience, and love. Every time I run, I want the world to see what South Africa is made of. It's in my soul, 100%.
How do you handle global pressure while staying grounded in where you come from?
I remind myself where I started. The kid from home, just dreaming big. I've got my family, my friends, and my coach who keep me real. The pressure
will always be there, but I don't let it define me. I stay true to my roots – that's what keeps me grounded no matter where in the world I'm racing.
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