Raymond Mkhize

Raymond Mkhize was a popular martial artist (karateka) in South Africa in the 1980s, especially in Durban. He was a resident of Umlazi Township and a sensei with a black belt at the time of his death. He was renowned for his skill of jumping over a car approaching at high speed.
Early life
Whilst growing up, Raymond Mkhize and his friends would receive permission from authorities to use public schools in the township as a Dojo in the evening for training purposes. In later years he would also train in town with martial artists coming from other areas of the country. He also showcased his martial art skills in some of the local movies in South Africa.
Movie career
Unlike many of his counterparts in the township, Raymond Mkhize got an opportunity to play in some of the local films and showcased a little bit of his skills. He was popularly known for starring in the movie Deliwe. He was cast in the famous for a minor role, and he also appeared in a few other films.
Talent gone to waste
In the 1970s and 1980s martial art was very popular in South Africa, especially in the black townships. Many people who trained in the black townships during this period were very talented in martial art but never got to realize their full potential due to racial oppression that prevailed at the time. Mandla "Gringo" Mwandla one of Raymond Mkhize's teammates is a prime example of a talent gone to waste. Mandla "Gringo" Mwandla was even more talented than Raymond but he ended up using his martial art skills in housebreaking and robbery, and died in the course of his criminal activities. Mandla "Gringo" Mwandla was in the league of icons such as Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme if not of his own.
Roadshows
Raymond Mkhize, together with his teammates used to perform martial art stunts in packed stadiums across the country much to the delight of crowds. Shihan Peter “Poison” Thage was one of the people who performed along with Raymond Mkhize.

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