The pain of being called names seems to be the driving force behind this disabled man. For years he had to endure the pain of being rediculed because of his disability.

He suffers from a leg deformation and has a limp, but refused to be called a useless person by community members. Despite all the odds, Mr Chillboy Rathando (37) of Mauluma started a company that today employs more than 30 permanent staff.

The company, Rathando Chillboy Cleaning and Toilet and Pest Control has created temporary employment since 2004 to nearly 18 000 people through “piece jobs”, an initiative of Phalaphala FM.

Started with only an old bakkie, the company has gone from strength to strength and he now has a fleet of eight cars. Not satisfied with his achievements as a disabled person, Rathando became a first again in his community by venturing into the farming business full time. He owns a two-hectare plot and is planting seasonal crops. The new venture has helped to create more employment for formerly unemployed people from the community. He employs 15 people who had no means to fend for their families.

About his newly found love, Rathando said his parents used to tell him that Lupfumo lu Mavuni, meaning that wealth is in the soil. “I did not understand it at first, but as I grew up, I came to realise that one can have all the money in the world but if there is no food, it would mean nothing. Our brains are not disabled...” he added.