Alex’s own, rises above her circumstances
‘Not all heroes wear caps’, Emily Nkateko Mabasa chose to be a beacon of hope and an inspiration to others.
Born in Kalafong, Pretoria and raised in Alexandra Emily Nkateko Mabasa is a dancer who was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination.
“I was born in Pretoria at Kalafong Hospital and moved to Alexandra township at 2 years old, where I grew up. I am a strong-minded person, who believes in kindness, I love volunteering my time to assist others and I call myself a cerebral palsy warrior.
“Living with cerebral palsy is all I’ve ever known, so to me, there’s no difference. It’s only when others point out that I am different,” Mabasa said.
She has never let her condition hold her back. Her love for dancing and children made her want to achieve more and inspire change.
“My love and passion for dancing, working with young children and my desire to inspire change in the community when it comes to persons with disabilities is what inspires me every day.”
Mabasa has founded an organisation called Phoenix Alexandra.
“Phoenix Alexandra was established in October 2020, as a dance project and officially registered as a nonprofit organisation in September 2021. We advocate for inclusivity through arts, crafts and cultural activities. Through informal education we have dancing, singing, modelling and an active reading club just to name a few of our activities,” Mabasa said.
“People assume that I’m not smart enough and tend to treat me unfairly based on my disability. It’s a real struggle, having to prove that I am more than my disability. I wish that people understood that individuals living with disabilities just want to be treated fairly and that I am no different from anyone else,” Mabasa said.
“I have many academical achievements. I am a Gold Award holder for the President’s Awards South Africa. Got an award from Valhalla Arts from Musa Zulu as ‘Role Model’ in 2017 and my latest achievement is receiving a Sunday World Unsung Hero 2023 award under sports, arts, and culture in June 2023.”
“My hope is to create one society, and not a community within a community, that’s what inspires me daily and the children make my heart smile when they improve as individuals.”
“I’d say accept who you are first, find your strength through your disability and challenge yourself to grow into the best version of yourself, people will see YOU for not giving up on your dreams because Jehovah God makes no mistake, just believe in yourself.”
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