Kwa-Thema’s Aubrey Mathibela overcomes adversity
Mathibela said the words of late struggle fighter Winnie Madikizela Mandela when she visited the hospital encouraged him, and he accepted his disability.
Casual Day, September 1, is dedicated to celebrating persons living with disabilities.
“This theme (Share a Smile) promotes kindness, goodwill, and positivity, supporting persons with disabilities in South Africa.
“A smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully, uncontrollable proportions,” said the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) national director, Therina Wentzel.
An individual who overcame tremendous challenges is Aubrey Mathibela. As the adage goes, ‘When life gives you lemons, turn them into lemonade’, which is what Mathibela did.
In 1994, aged 24, the aspiring athlete was shot during an armed robbery while walking in Ext 4 in Kwa-Thema.
In the incident, he didn’t only lose his cellphone but also the function of his legs.
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While drowning deeper in pain and depression at Natalspruit Hospital, with help and motivation from the nurses and doctors, he accepted his new reality.
Mathibela said the words of late struggle fighter Winnie Madikizela Mandela when she visited the hospital encouraged him, and he accepted his disability.
“By the time I wheeled out of that hospital, I was mentally strong to face all the obstacles head-on.
“I used to tag along with Charles Montsho to sporting games, and he would push and encourage me to start officiating matches,” he said.
In 2001, the 47-year-old formed the Kwa-Thema Disability Club to empower other disabled people in the community.
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“This was after I returned to sports and started to officiate various sporting codes. Peter Zwane, the development officer from the Central Gauteng Athletic Club, encouraged me to start an athletic club after seeing my patience for sports.
“I started with five athletes, and now we are a club catering to over 50 athletes who have already competed nationally and internationally,” he said.
By 2003, he was competing nationally. The club offers wheelchair tennis, CPC soccer, blind cricket and para-athletics.
“It warms my heart to see some players growing up in the sport and later qualifying to compete internationally.
“I encourage parents to stop hiding their children living with disabilities and enroll them in the club.
“Every child is born gifted, no matter the disability. This club is their home, and once they are here, we evaluate them and find a sport in which we believe they will excel.
“I feel fulfilled when I see a child I started grooming at the grassroots level turn into an elite sportsman,” he added.
In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to buy Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1 and wear them with pride on the day.
Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where to buy or order personalised stickers.
