“I could not only rely on the government’s disability grant, but I told myself that I wanted to be an ambassador for the disabled. I wanted to show everyone that even disabled people can make a positive economic contribution and make a change in the communities in which they live.

"The government has given us enough opportunities to compete with every community member. The disabled must stop looking down upon themselves and wake up to build their future.”

These were the memorable words of Avhahumi Masindi (43), a well-known activist for disabled people after she received a special award from Livhone FET College during the weekend. The event was held at Ngulumbi village, near Sibasa.

Masindi was honoured for being the champion of disabled people by displaying that it is possible to achieve success, despite being disabled. This is her tenth award so far. Despite growing up in a very poor family, Masindi persevered and went to school. Today, she is a respected emerging businesswoman in the Thulamela municipal area. She owns Mvudi Valley Trading, a company that specialises in supply and catering. She also holds a diploma in computer and call-centre studies. Her company employs nine people on a part-time basis. Instead of waiting to be allocated an RDP house by the government, Avhahumi worked hard and built herself an eight-roomed, fully furnished house at Sokotenda village, outside Sibasa.

Despite all the odds, Avhahumi refused to be relegated to the lowest class and stood up to prove her critics wrong. She started her primary education at Tshilidzini Special School in the early eighties and matriculated at Phaswana High School in 1993.

She could not express her happiness when she received the prestigious award from the director and founder of Livhone FET College, Bishop Dr Mmbangiseni Ratshitanga. “I feel very humbled. Words alone cannot describe my happiness. I feel proud to know that there are people who are watching what I am doing for the community. Thanks a million times.”

Avhahumi has a very special message to other disabled members of the community. “I have achieved more than people without any disabilities. This shows that disability can never be a stumbling block to success. It is all in the mind and the only important thing is to believe in yourself. I call upon other disabled people to learn from me and create a precious life for themselves.”

Avhahumi’s mother, Ms Vele Masindi (70), was more than happy about her daughter’s award. “I’m very proud of her. She is my angel. I know that God brought her into this world for a reason. I love her so much.”