MAPULE Moloto (37) was born with cerebral palsy.
She has described her disability as “amazing abilities”.
Mapule is a motivational speaker, author, Businesswoman as well as a gym fanatic.
Sharing her journey with cerebral palsy, Mapule from Sebokeng in the Vaal, said she only realised at the age of 13 that she was different.
At the time she was no longer attending school, she told Daily Sun.
Cerebral palsy is a developmental disability that affect the ability to move and maintain balance.
Mapule said: “My disability affected my thinking, movement, hands and a speech. I couldn’t interact and play with other children easily. I looked and walked different,” she said.
“I was attending a normal school and dropped out when I was in grade 2 because I was struggling. It broke my heart because I wanted to become a social worker.
“When I turned 19, my family found a school dedicated to special children, but it was already late to go back to school.”
Mapule enrolled for short courses, including catering and baking.
She said: “I wanted a better life for myself. Being me wasn’t easy. I was bullied and teased.”
As a motivational speaker, she educates the public about disabled people on social media.
She has further written a book titled, amazing abilities and was recently awarded by the Gauteng Legislature for her outstanding work.
She said: “I accepted myself for who I am. I told myself that this wasn’t the end of the world and that I can achieve anything I want despite my disability.
“Each day I reminded myself that I do not have a disability but amazing abilities.”
Mapule joined the gym, something unlikely to people born with cerebral palsy.
She is now able to do gym bike workouts and cardio exercises.
“The gym has helped me a lot to improve my walk and balance. I urge those with amazing abilities to invest in their health and thinking. Being born with a disability is not the end but the beginning of greatness,” said Mapule.
Mapule’s driver and a close friend, Lefa Keswa said being close to Mapule has helped him to dream big.
He said: “Mapule is an inspiration. She has achieved a lot and helped many people despite her disability. She’s a very good person and ambitious. Seeing her reaching her dreams has motivated me to chase my own dreams. I’m starting my own car wash and I thank her for the courage.”
