Midrand fire survivor believes more needs to be done to cater for the disabled

After having her left hand amputated when she was three months old, Glen Austin resident Ngoakoana Precious Mphago strongly believes ‘disability is not inability’.

Mphago (27) is a third-degree burn survivor and is also disabled. She lost her left hand in a fire caused by a candle that was left unattended.

However, that did not deter her from pursuing her academic ambitions. She holds a certificate in Information Technology System Support.

Last year, Mphago started an organisation called Rise and Shine Disability Empowerment which works to help the disabled with low self-esteem challenges. “I have started this because I want to empower young people with disabilities to see the potential in themselves and to know that they are loved,” added Mphago.

She also does motivational talks at special-needs schools around Midrand and the province.

Mphago described her journey as a difficult route filled with mocking from peers. “I was bullied in high school to the point where I wanted to drop out. I used to think there is something wrong with me, but my family was there to support me and encouraged me to be myself.”

“The journey with my scars was not easy but I’ve learned to love and accept myself the way I am. A lot of children living with disability face rejection because of how unique they are.”

How she was treated as a teenager and how she’s still being treated is why she chose to be bold and embrace the beauty of her scars. “My scars remind me of my determination and perseverance, they are the sign that indeed I am a warrior and I am beautiful in my own way.”

“I want us to be treated equally. I would like us to be given the same opportunities and the rights of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others must be recognised, our needs acknowledged and our rights protected.”

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