Disability is not an excuse says UL graduate
Dekeledi Maite Komane was left with third degree burns on her hands but says that didn't stop her from becoming the best version of herself.
POLOKWANE – Nothing can stop you from attaining goals you have set for yourself, not even disability.
These are the sentiments of Dekeledi Maite Komane, a 22-year-old who recently graduated from the University of Limpopo.
Dekeledi was burnt by hot water that left her with third degree burns and her left hand almost amputated because four fingers were stuck together beyond repair.
“As I was still young, it really didn’t matter then. It wasn’t a big deal until I started noticing that I was having trouble with starting to do things by myself, for instance, eating, bathing and almost anything that required my hands,” she said.
Her mother had a tough time accepting the new reality but with her dad’s help, she overcame her challenges.
“My dad taught me how to hold a pen and I started writing and doing most the things myself with these new hands,” she added.
The challenging part was going back to school and Dekeledi said she hid her hands in gloves throughout her schooling.
She then started removing both her gloves in Gr 10 with a new found confidence and worked hard to be in the Top 5 learners often.
The Bachelor of Commerce graduate said living with a disability does not mean one should be regarded as one that can’t and said it is not an excuse for you to not be the best version of yourself.
