Tshepang Nkgodi is a local heroine who’s overcome immense adversity on crutches her whole life.

The 2021 matriculant was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, which has stunted her growth and resulted in eight operations from the age of six.

The youngster will be heading to Cape Town after having been awarded a bursary by the Nkangala District Municipality for a BA degree in psychology at the University of the Western Cape.

She plans to become a clinical psychologist after overcoming a suicide attempt at age 16. Tshepang boldly admits that before the failed suicide attempt, due to constant bullying, she also engaged in self-harm for many years.

“I was bullied a lot, with fellow students drawing me on the chalkboards with a big head and short limbs, my school years were tough and after realising that life will continue to be tough, I accepted myself and learnt to embrace my shortcomings, not as a disability, but as a reality,” she told the Middelburg Observer on Wednesday.

Tshepang says despite medical interventions from age six, doctors could not pinpoint what was wrong with her until she was diagnosed with severe bone and joint deterioration at 11. She has plates on both her hips, resulting in the permanent use of crutches.

Despite her height and disability, she considers herself lucky, “I’ve come to realise that there are many peers out there with worse disabilities who could not go to school or even do their own laundry, which I’m able to do, and consider a privilege,” the well-spoken young lady beamed. Tshepang attended Tshwenyane

Combined School where she obtained 65% for Sepedi, 67% for English, 53% for math literacy, 74% for life orientation, 61% for business studies, 60% for economics, 56% for geography and 76% for tourism, qualifying her for the BA course in psychology.

Tshepang says keeping a diary also assisted her with self-acceptance, after realising that she would be writing the same story forever if she didn’t change the narrative of her autobiography. In consequent discussions with God, she found self-love, “created in His image”.

She has three able-bodied brothers and sisters and a very supportive mom, Hilda, and aunt Promise, “two immensely strong women who’ve also overcome much historical adversity.” Tshepang will be the first person in her family to go to varsity, hoping to change the trajectory of poverty and disadvantage.

The inspirational young achiever has also drawn the attention of Steve Tshwete Mayor, Mhlonishwa Masilela, who is privately lobbying for essentials to send

Tshepang on her merry way, hundreds of miles away from home, to fill her deserved place in society. Her message to other disabled youths: “Accept and embrace yourself, people will pick up on your vulnerabilities and exploit them, be happy!”

Tshepang, however, has many needs, most importantly airfare for her and her mother, as she cannot travel alone, clothes, luggage, toiletries and a laptop for her studies. Her bursary will cover her studies and lodging. Residents who wish to contribute to this remarkable young woman’s journey to success can contact Hilda on 079 234 4686 or Aunt Promise on 068 546 4697.