Defying all the odds to bring change to others
EVERY day is a new opportunity for LifeLine Zululand’s Nompilo Maphumulo to make a difference in the lives of others - be it in her family, work environment or the greater community.
The mother of two children, both living with disabilities, tackles each day with passion and zeal with the purpose of helping others through her work as an intimate partner violence coordinator.
She is in LifeLine’s junior management structure and a qualified social worker by profession, currently pursuing project management studies through Unisa.
With the support of her husband, Maphumulo has flourished in her full-time position while also taking care of her two boys - a seven-yearold with autism and five-yearold suffering from a condition called hydrocephalus and who needs full-time special care.
Working long hours and travelling more than 100km on her daily commute to work, she maintains her role as wife and mother and juggles all the responsibilities gracefully and with a cheerful smile.
‘I believe that God will not give you something you are not capable of handling and I am grateful to have a loving husband and supportive family.
‘Having accepted my situation and my children’s medical conditions, I have educated myself on their conditions and it has helped me to give them the best care possible.
‘Despite the hurdles along the way, I am grateful to wake up every day physically and mentally able to do everything.
‘There are many who need constant help or assistance and I am happy for the opportunity to do what I enjoy.
‘Every day is different and I work with victims of intimate partner violence, provide counselling, encourage people to get tested for HIV/ Aids and offer them guidance on how to protect themselves.’
In her spare time she enjoys going to the beach to relax, listening to gospel music and reading motivational books which keep her inspired.