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Khuthadzo Ndou, a 23-year-old lady from Tshikota outside Louis Trichardt, who is well known in her community because of her disability, has written a book in Tshivenda, titled Mitodzi A i Weli Fhasi.
The book, which loosely translates into “tears shall not be in vain” was written with the intent to reach disabled people like herself. She firmly believes that no-one should regard their disability as a stumbling block to their dreams and success as long as they still have their brains.
Khuthadzo was born with a condition called Cerebral Palsy (CP), defined as a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development, and primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination. As a result, Khuthadzo is bound to a wheelchair.
However, this second-year Unisa law student has decided that she will not let her condition keep her from reaching her dreams. She wants to motivate others to get out of their cocoons and take their rightful place in the community; to shine out there and prove that being disabled does not mean people are cursed. They can still achieve their goals in life.
Mitodzi A i Weli Fhasi was published by local publishing house Never Give Up Publishing in Folovhodwe Mutale and was inspired by Khuthadzo’s personal life experiences.
“The book is the culmination of sweat, hard work and dedication. As a disabled person, I have had many nasty experiences and observed fellow disabled people having to endure the same daily hardships. I have managed to overcome these obstacles for myself, and I have a dream to be a top lawyer one day. I am here encouraging other disabled people not to look down upon themselves but to rise and compete for every opportunity that comes their way,” she said.
According to Khuthadzo, many disabled people are regarded as second-class citizens, and that makes them feel inferior. She says that communities are often hostile when it comes to people with disabilities, making them feel like they are not part of the community.
“This is our time to rise against all odds and show that we are second to none. Let’s show all that we can do even better than the abled people. That is my message to all the disabled, and to those who believe they are able, please do not let disabled people feel inferior by hiding them behind closed doors; they are capable of great things,” Ndou said.
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Khuthadzo Ndou, a wheelchair-bound young author from Tshikota, says no person should regard their disability as a stumbling block to their dreams and success as long as they still have their brains. Photo supplied.
By: Maanda Bele
Maanda Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.
He is passionate about current news and international affairs.
He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017.
He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.
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