Overcoming all of the odds
His positive attitude is what keeps him going.
Steven Ngobese (38), from KwaNgedla, Nquthu, is a testimony to that. Steven is wheelchair-bound. I even wished to die,” said Steven.
“It was the nursing staff that made me realise that I still have so much to offer to the world, and that I was capable of living a normal life and even doing more than what normal people do.”
This positive attitude led to Steven joining the basketball team at the clinic. Today he is part of a wheelchair racing team of paraplegics which won a racing championship in the Provincial Games. Steven is a dreamer, and is still chasing his dream of being a successful individual who can make an honest living, not relying on people for money.
“I started pushing my wheelchair and taking long-distance rides; this is when I met Ncamisile Mawela, Chairperson of Siyaphambili.” This is an organisation comprising people with disabilities, based in the Nquthu area.
It was through Ncamisile’s connection with other organisations in Umzinyathi that she was able to enter Steven in racing competitions on behalf of the district.
And that isn’t all: Steven has obtained certificates in typing as well as in upholstering. In his spare time Steven assists a local team in his area with coaching on a volunteer basis, and he is also a Ward Committee member.
Steven explained how he planted a garden as no one in his family works – they survive on grants.
Steven did not finish school, and this has been a challenge for him. He has come to realise the importance of going to school.
“I use to take care of my father’s flocks when I was a young boy. I want to be able to communicate in English, as it is the universal language,” stated Steven.
Last month he entered in Paralympics racing in Cape Town, taking fourth position in his event. He believes that if he had better resources, especially a racing wheelchair, he would have done better.
Thenjiwe Sithole-Dlamini is a privately-practising social worker, and has been Steven’s adviser for some time. She has seen how positive Steven is, and how willing he is to get his life fully on track.
Any person willing to assist Mr Ngobese may contact him on his cellphone number, 079 264 8940.
