Young South African Sbusisu (Sbu) Duma grew up in extremely humble circumstances in a country where, despite the official end of Apartheid in 1990, segregation continues to be a daily reality. Sbu Duma’s exceptional talent in polo earned him the support of local sponsors and his desire to become a role model for post-apartheid youth captured the attention of the Wilhelm & Karl Maybach Foundation. Mentored by Federico Bachmann, an accomplished Argentine professional, Sbu Duma is currently training and playing polo in an international arena.
Sbu Duma grew up in the Dargle district of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands in South Africa. His father works on the farm Maritzdaal, which was owned by the late Dave Kimber, a renowned South African polo player. Sbu Duma’s promise was soon spotted by the local Lions River Polo Club, which invited him to attend club practices and provided related support to help him rise to the level of his talent. The South African Polo Association (SAPA) awarded him a scholarship in 1999, and since 2001 he has been representing his country in international school competitions as one of the most talented players. Last year, Sbu Duma was presented the ‘most valuable player award’ after a historic match where his team won the All Africa Cup at Inanda in Sandton, Johannesburg; the first victory for an all-black South African team.
Sbu Duma was selected as a protégé for the Maybach Foundation’s Excellence in Mentoring Leadership Program in 2008. The Foundation provides extraordinarily talented young adults who face adversity the opportunity to mentor with global leaders to make a profound and positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. As part of Sbu Duma’s fellowship, the Foundation provides polo equipment, athletic skill development, leadership training, opportunities to play at international tournaments and mentorship from some of the best professionals in the sport. Training locations include Argentina, Spain and Great Britain. Federico Bachmann, Sbu Duma’s lead mentor, is fully dedicated to the concept of mentoring because he greatly benefitted from being mentored earlier in his own career.
Since becoming a Maybach Foundation protégé, Sbu Duma has already shown tremendous improvement due to his talent, his ability to engage at all levels, and his dedication. With continued support, it is anticipated that Sbu Duma will reach the level of the worlds’ top professional polo players. He would be the first black South African to do so, a point that is particularly significant in post-apartheid South Africa. Sbu Duma’s success will demonstrate that racially motivated boundaries are surmountable and that hard work and dedication can bring about positive social change even in the most exclusive segments of society.
A documentary featuring Sbu Duma’s unique story is currently being filmed and will be shown on BBC and other platforms in 2010.