Warrior Princess

TAKING a seat in science class, Princess Sithole pulls back the Velcro from her shoe, slides off her crisp white socks and pushes it aside. She clutches a pen with her toes and with the utmost grace, inscribes her name on a sheet of paper.

An achievement for anyone, but an extraordinary act for Princess, who was born without arms, and triumphs at tasks able-bodied people take for granted.
Princess shares a smile so radiant, it dulls the sun and cheers up anyone lucky enough to see it.
Having started her first year of high school at Richem Secondary, Princess has, without delay, lived up to her namesake and is fondly referred to as the ‘Princess of the School’ by the Principal.

‘When I first met her, I was adamant to take her right on board. She is so precious and I love her confidence. It touches anyone to see there is someone who doesn’t have all you have, and yet always gives it her all,’ said Principal Sibusiso Mthethwa.
As the lesson comes to an end, she skillfully, and with ease, puts her sock and shoe back on, to make her way to her next class.
‘I have enjoyed my first few days in high school. I’ve already made friends in my class. I have just come from my English lesson, which is my favourite and I have to admit, I do enjoy a bit of Natural Science,’ she said.

However, there is just one obstacle in her way to a smooth schooling experience – Princess does not have a suitable desk to cater for writing with her foot.
‘We are trying all means to make her comfortable, but we really need a desk for her, something custom-made and mobile, to fit her needs and we would appreciate any assistance,’ said Principal Mthethwa.

Matching her big heart, and effort to overcome a seemingly insurmountable disability, is Princess’s dream of someday leading the country.
‘When I grow up, I want to be the President and have a whole lot of companies in different countries that help people financially. Oh, and I want to be a fashion designer and own clothing shops where my pieces are sold,’ she said.
According to her Natural Science teacher Mr Edmore Chizunza, she is not far off from accomplishing her goals.
‘All the Grade 8 pupils wrote an aptitude test last week and Princess was the first to finish and also one of the best performers,’ he said.
When Princess is not working hard at school she loves to show off her culinary skills.
‘I love cooking, baking and helping my Mum clean-up,’ she said.
Raised by single parent Nkule Sithole, Princess has always been surrounded by a solid support system.
‘Doctors had no medical explanation when she was born,’ said Nkule.’I remember when she was five months old, we were in the lounge watching TV and I had laid her on the carpet. She rolled over, clutched her bottle with her feet, put it in her mouth and started sucking. We were all so shocked. We knew then and there that she was destined for greatness.’