A devastating diagnosis of polio at the age of 11 changed the course of Tumahole resident Maki Seforo’s life forever.

Confined to a wheelchair after a spinal operation, she would watch other children play outside, tears streaming down her face. But in time, Maki came to see her circumstances in a different light. “Instead of asking why me, I realised — if not me, who would it be?” she says with quiet strength.

Today, this remarkable woman lives her life with courage and gratitude, turning challenges into triumphs.

On Saturday, Maki took part in the Parys Crater Street Mile, walking the full 1,609 metres with the aid of her crutches. Accompanied by Lebogang Lofafa from Epilepsy SA’s Free State/North West branch, her participation embodied the spirit of Rotary International’s global campaign to eradicate polio. The annual Street Mile event, presented by Rotary Parys in collaboration with Parys Info & Tourism under the auspices of Parys Multisport, supports Rotary’s mission as a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

Despite the physical challenges, Maki refused to let the disease define her. As single mother, she proudly cares for her two daughters, and manages all household responsibilities on her own.

“It was Pappa Tex, who did school transport when I was a child, who made me stand on my own feet,” she recalls with a radiant smile. “He refused to help me, saying, when I’m not here, you must manage on your own.”

Maki credits her strength and independence to her mother. “She’s my biggest support and my role model.”
“Some people think the disabled don’t have lives, but we do. We have families, feelings, and a purpose like anybody else.”

Maki dreams of opening a skills centre for people with disabilities, especially women, where they can learn crafts and earn a living.

Maki is part of the Epilepsy SA Development Hub, which provides six-month training programmes for people living with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The initiative empowers participants — including caregivers — with education and practical skills to become active members of society.

A woman of strength, courage, and compassion, Maki Seforo continues to inspire everyone she meets — living proof that life’s greatest challenges can be transformed into extraordinary purpose.