Victor not victim - a story of courage
OVERCOMER Mbalenhle 'Mbali' Dube (25) has defied the odds and achieved her goals after a gunshot wound in 2013 left her paralysed.
The incident occurred outside her home in eSikhaleni when she was only 15 years old.
“It was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time,” she said.
“There was an active robbery taking place, they were parked outside my house and I was almost home.
“But when the shooting started, I was caught in the crossfire,” she said.
The initial shock made her feel embarrassed and ashamed because she had not only changed physically, but mentally as well.
“I was in Grade 10, and going back to school in eSikhaleni was no longer an option for me because it didn't accommodate people in wheelchairs.
“I was in and out of the hospital, and attended rehab for people with disabilities. Most people don't realise how difficult it is to push yourself in a wheelchair,” said Mbali.
With the unwavering support of her family and community, she moved to Durban to attend a school that was able to cater to her needs.
Going back to school in 2015 to redo Grade 10, Mbali was determined to make her parents and herself proud.
Doing just that, she became headgirl and finished top of her grade.
Armed with a new lease on life, Mbali now exudes confidence and owns every part of her journey.
She recently graduated from UKZN with a Bachelor's in Science and is a qualified forensics specialist.
“I am no longer ashamed. I push myself with pride because I realised early on that crying about what happened to me is not going to change my situation.
“I want people to know that they cannot
be victims of their situation. I was not only paralysed, but I also had to leave my family just to finish school.
“I have achieved almost every goal I set for myself because I am no longer afraid, and live my life to the fullest.”
Mbali says there are times now when she forgets about her disability.
She was recently presented with an opportunity to intern at the global diversified mining and metals company South32.
In addition to her accolades, she hopes to one day pay it forward and start an NGO for people with disabilities, or an orphanage.
In the interim, she wants to empower others during Disability Awareness Month (3 November - 3 December) by sharing her remarkable story.
I push myself with pride because I realised early on that crying about what happened to me is not going to change my situation
- Mbalenhle Dube