EVERY day is a testament to resilience for Westville’s Ricardo Mateus as he navigates the highly competitive real estate market while also preparing to represent KwaZulu-Natal in the SA Para Surfing competition next month.

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Mateus was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in 2010, a condition that left him unable to walk. Since then, he has had to adapt to life in a wheelchair, both at home and in his career. But for him, disability is not a limitation — it is a challenge he meets head-on.
“I wake up every day like it’s a normal day. I drive myself to work, meet clients, and list properties for rent or sale. I do lose business because of my disability and don’t always get a fair chance, but I push myself to show that I can do anything an able-bodied agent can do,” he said.

While his passion for real estate keeps him busy, Mateus is also making waves — literally. He is an adaptive surfer and has been selected for the KZN team to compete at the SA Para Surfing Championship at Addington Beach on April 12-13.

Mateus credits his faith and his father’s lessons as the sources of his strength. “I know God has not given up on me, and He gives me the ability to take on each day. My father also taught me that hard work, dedication, and never giving up are the only ways to succeed,” he said.

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Over the past 13 years, he has realised that many people lack awareness about disabilities and how to engage with those who have them.
“Being disabled is not just physically tough, but mentally challenging too. People often don’t know how to approach us, and that can make things harder,” he explained.

Mateus hopes to inspire others with disabilities to embrace life fully. “If you’re struggling to accept your disability or afraid to go out because people might look at you differently, don’t let that hold you back. Speak to someone, express your feelings, and most importantly, live your life. Ignore negativity and focus on the positives — because there is always something to be grateful for,” he said.

With his unstoppable mindset, Mateus is proving that neither business nor sports are off-limits — no matter the obstacles.

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