By Amukelani Makhuvele
Philani Ndaedzo, a first-year education student, is proving that resilience and determination can dismantle even the toughest stereotypes. With cerebral palsy diplegia affecting his lower limbs, Philani faces challenges that might discourage others. But instead, he’s redefining what it means to be “differently abled,” and he’s doing it with excellence.
At 22, Philani Ndaedzo, pursing a Bachelor of Education student majoring in Languages and Life Orientation, who’s redefines what it means to be differently abled. Born without complications, his cerebral palsy developed due to complications during birth. Today, Philani is supported by the university’s Reagona Disability Center (RDC), which assists students with disabilities in navigating the academic environment with the tools necessary.
Philani Ndaedzo, Breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Photo: Supplied
His academic interests reach beyond the classroom, favoring debate and spelling competitions over sports. For him, the mind is the ultimate muscle, one that he trains with a commitment and focus few can rival. “Differently abled,” he prefers to call himself, a phrase that challenges the societal myths and stereotypes about disability, especially those rooted in cultural misunderstandings.
Growing up, he saw firsthand how others’ discomfort often created more barriers than his own physical limitations. In his community, whispers of “curses” and “black magic” surrounded his condition.
” I was used to the stares and whispers,” Philani shares. “People thought my disability was a curse, something unnatural, like I was a reminder of something gone wrong. But I’m here to show them that being ‘differently abled’ is not a limit; it’s just a different way of reaching the same goals.
But Philani’s achievements have silenced that noise. Graduating high school with distinctions, he is now on a similar path in his degree program, consistently performing at the top of his class.
Philani shows us that being differently abled is no limitation. “Whatever gift and ability God has given you is what will take you far,” he says. His journey challenges us to rethink our perceptions and embrace the strength in diversity.
