Disabled man an inspiration for the handicapped

A disabled man, who was ridiculed by others and discouraged from furthering his studies, defied his detractors and recently completed his computer studies.

Now, Mr Hendrick Nemururwa (43) of Tshimbupfe is urging others handicapped people to develop a fighting spirit and work hard to reach their goals.

The married father of three, who is walking with crutches, said he told himself that nothing was impossible in life and he went on to study computer technology at the Mvelaphanda Development and Project Training Centre. Due to his qualification, he was able to secure employment and is working for the Department of Labour in an administrative capacity.

Nemururwa addressed guests and recipients of diplomas and certificates during the centre’s 25th graduation ceremony on Friday. More than 600 successful candidates received their qualifications after completing different skills programmes.

Nemururwa said his road to success had not been an easy one as there were many obstacles on the way. “Firstly I took a long time to complete my Grade 12 and, because of a lack of financial assistance, I could not go to institutions of higher learning. Mrs Esther Mushaathama, the Mvelaphanda director, called me to her centre. Many discouraged me, saying that it would not help me get any employment, but today I am working because of this centre,” he said.

Academic, politician and community leader Ms Azwihangwisi Magoro commended the management of Mvelaphanda for continuing to fight poverty from the front. “This is just a stepping stone and a foundation for you to think bigger,” she said. Ms Esther Mushaathama urged all to “free themselves from the poverty mentality. Poverty is in the mind of the poor person. I have been through it all, and I freed myself from it. It is possible and it could happen to you also if you set yourselves goals,” she said.

Date:31 October 2014

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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