University of Cape Town Archives

Bingandadi talks living with lupus and returning to basketball

“THE story starts in 2023. I was doing my masters at UCT. I was the captain of the first team, and I was trying out for the Western Cape Mountaineers (BNL franchise). Then I started to notice a few changes in my body, hair loss, chronic fatigue and weight loss. It’s something I struggled with (weight loss) as I was already a lanky and scrawny guy,” explained Mutsa Bingandadi.

Things were going well for Bingandadi, and the last thing he would have expected was to be engaging in a fight for his life. He was excelling academically and on the court, but the sudden changes in his body were signs of the beginning of a lifelong battle with the autoimmune disease, lupus. A consultation with a specialist doctor confirmed as much. This was his second encounter with the virus. He first witnessed his sister bravely battle the disease, but she sadly passed away due to complications related to lupus.

“I decided to see my GP, who then referred me to a rheumatologist… Yeah, his immediate indication was ‘this is probably lupus.’ With the added context that my sister, who is now late, also had lupus… it meant it could be a genetic thing,” said the shooting guard, who holds a masters degree in project management.

The doctor’s confirmation rocked Bingandadi. As devastating as the news was, he has been fortunate enough to have a community around him, one that willed him to keep fighting.

“Initially, I was shocked because I knew what it could mean for me. The support I received from family and friends was great. Part of the reason I reached out (to The Big Tip Off) was that sports had a huge impact on my life. It provided me with a space and community that can rally around people in need,” said the former St Alban’s College pupil.

**Mutsa Bingandadi says living with lupus has taught him to be resilient. Pictures: The BTO**

Having seen his sister live with lupus, what lessons did he take from her life? “The main thing was continuing to push, living life to the fullest and maintaining discipline. It’s an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks itself, and it can snowball into something much bigger,” said Bingandadi.

In his case, it did. The 2023 USSA All-Star says the disease took an aggressive turn during his relocation to the South African capital last year, costing him a season of basketball.

“In 2025, I had another flare-up. As I was moving from Cape Town to Pretoria, things got worse and worse. I was admitted to hospital and started receiving treatment after being diagnosed with lupus again. This time it was more concrete… I suppose,” said Bingandadi.

While he reacclimates to life in Tshwane, where he last played as a schoolboy and now works as a business analyst, what changes has he had to make in his life?

“… Some lifestyle changes. And dietary changes, mostly. And also being hyper aware of what I expose myself to. It impacts the skin, and so it means lots of sunscreen and looking for shade,” said Bingandadi. “Being outside and working out is difficult because of fatigue. I also have to be vigilant as far as taking my meds. Otherwise, it’s quite manageable.”

Given his present experience, he hopes his message reaches organisations and people who can help him raise awareness about lupus. “Part of what I wanted to share was that there are also financial implications to it. I come from a good family. I am reasonably stable too. But those medical bills do pile up, and things do become difficult. So my mind is set on people who ca afford the treatment. If anyone knows any organisations or institutions that I can get in touch with for fundraising events, that would be great. I have also reached out myself, and I am waiting for replies,” said Bingandadi.

Mutsa Bingandadi lupus story 2026 — **Mutsa Bingandadi feels ready to play basketball again.**

As he fights every day for his life, Bingandadi is also fighting to make a comeback to the game he loves. Having been out for a year, he wants to test his body to see what it can handle.

“I don’t take anything for granted… Whether it’s a training session, a gym session, or a game, I am always eager to get started and enjoy the experience. It’s a privilege to be able to be on the court,” said Bingandadi. “Although I had taken a break for a year, that itch is back, and I want to see how far I can get once I start up again.”

As he takes the courageous step to return to the court, what has he learnt about himself throughout this time of his life? “Resilience. Initially, you don’t think it’s possible. There are thoughts of giving up. I have learnt to take it one day at a time. I realise how sizeable the challenge is and I am determined to push through. And I see how that just spreads throughout the rest of my life as well. It can’t dominate your mind or your actions because there are other things to do,” concluded Bingandadi.

He has found a second wind in his life. His desire, his determination to add more to the pages of his existence, is exemplary for anyone facing adversity. His story is a triumph of the human spirit.

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Basketball pushing Bagula beyond her limits

“You can never cheat the game of basketball”

I remember my first netball practice in primary school, I was in grade one at the time. A player passed the ball to me and I ended up trying to dribble. My teacher stopped me and pointed out that I was attempting to play a different sport. Though slightly frustrated, I acknowledged her words and stuck to the rules of the sport I had signed up for.

That moment although insignificant, was my short-lived introduction to basketball. I continued to play netball until my fourth year of university, after which I decided to challenge myself by participating in a different sport. My mother gave a firm NO about boxing, having spent a fortune on my braces, and so basketball it was.

I showed up to the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) women’s basketball team trials, nervous and excited about the new sport I would be partaking in. The trials, which incorporated fitness and basketball skills were gruelling, but I squeezed my way into the team. I remember coach Matthew Skade telling me I had made the team because of my fitness levels, and that if I wanted to maintain my place, I’d have to make some drastic improvements on my basketball skills.

Inspired by basketball — **Fortunat Bagula wants use her profession and basketball as an instrument for change. Pictures: THE BTO**

Though these words initially seemed harsh, they were exactly what my stubborn personality needed. They helped me push myself, acquaint myself with the fundamentals of basketball, and to fully love the game for its beauty, arrogant nature and fierceness.

I received a great amount of support from my teammates, who would help me practice certain plays and post moves outside of the formal practice sessions. Coach Matthew, at times annoying, helped me to not only understand the game, but also emphasised the need to work for what I wanted, through his favourite quote: “You can never cheat the game of basketball.”

After surviving six years at UCT in exchange for a shiny degree, I moved to Joburg where I currently practice medicine and are pursuing my post-grad studies in public health. I also joined the Jozi Nuggets, a team of fantastic basketball players, who amaze me with every game played.

My two years in Joburg are sadly coming to an end. I do hope to continue playing basketball socially once I return to Cape Town, where I will also be starting a non-profit organisation, Kuinua, which aims to provide health education, mentorship and various sports skills to girls aged 14-18.

I plan to complete my masters degree and embark on a career focused on healthcare management or policy changes in the healthcare sector. Yes, basketball has certainly introduced me to some of the strongest women I know. However, I still believe there needs to be a much greater effort made to advance women’s basketball in South Africa.

Grasping the fundamentals — **Fortunat Bagula had to learn the fundamentals of basketball to maintain her place in the UCT team. Picture: Supplied**

We can’t claim to want women’s basketball to be on the same level as men’s basketball, yet fewer resources are provided for the women’s game.

It’s not just South Africa. The world as a whole needs to increase resources allocated to women’s basketball on a greater scale.

Basketball has been and will continue to be a sport where I am continuously inspired, motivated and pushed beyond the limits that I have created for myself. A friend of mine once told me that to break barriers and achieve all that I can I should dream and believe in those dreams as if I was a seven-year-old child.

Therefore, I urge all basketball players and especially women basketball players to dare to dream and place action behind those dreams on and off the court.

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