She competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics. On 23 July 2021, Mbande shared the honour of serving as a flag bearer for South Africa, alongside swimmer player Chad le Clos, at the Parade of Nations during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.Isaacson, David (22 July 2021). "Le Clos, Mbande reunite as flag-bearers at Tokyo opening ceremony after 2010 disaster". The Sowetan. Retrieved April 2, 2022."Chad le Clos, Phumelela Mbande to carry SA flag at Olympics opening ceremony". News24. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2022.Gleeson, Mark (23 July 2021). "Swimming-More tears for Bert as son Chad carries South African flag". Reuters. Retrieved 12 April 2022.Mohamed, Ashfak (23 July 2021). "Chad le Clos, Phumelela Mbande carry South African flag at Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony". Independent Online. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
