Edenvale paralympian pushes forward despite the odds
"The idea of re-gaining my independence excited me.”
Edenvale resident and Paralympian Sandra Khumalo is an inspiration to all.
Paralysed from the waist down after she was involved in a motor vehicle collision on her way to work, 42-year-old Sandra does not let her disability define her.
The national sportswoman competed in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.
She qualified for the 2012 London Games in the women’s single sculls, after she won a silver medal at the final qualification regatta in Belgrade Serbia.
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The Paralympian is also an ambassador for Little Eden Society.
In February 2005 at the age of 21, while on her work at a private game reserve in the Kruger National Park, she was involved in an accident. As a result of the collision, Sandra was taken to Muelmed Hospital where she spend her 22nd birthday.
Sandra said while in the hospital it was horrifically traumatising for her.
“I didn’t know what was going on with my legs. Each time I asked the doctor questions about them he would avoid the questions or not give me information.”
Sandra was fortunate that occupational and physiotherapists were ready to support her.
Sandra said the treatment she received in rehab was exceptional.
“They explained the importance of doing training, exercising and that one day I would be able to do things by myself again. Hearing such positive news and the idea of re-gaining my independence excited me.”
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Sandra said while in rehab she even got the opportunity to watch wheelchair basketball and rugby players in action at Lofters.
After moving back home to KwaZulu-Natal, Sandra got into swimming at her local Virgin Active. It helped her to keep active.
While at the gym Sandra was introduced to rowing. She soon took up the sport and joined the Midlands Rowing Club.
The mother of two said she feels elated at her accomplishments. “At first I didn’t know what impact the accident would have on my life. But it has taken me on an exciting journey.”
She said one of her greatest achievements was winning silver in Serbia.
“Achieving my dreams wouldn’t have been possible without a strong support structure from both family and work.”
Speaking about how she became an ambassador for Little Eden Society, Sandra said a friend invited her to one of the society’s events where she learn more about waht they do.
Sandra was asked to be an ambassador for the NPO and has been since 2019.
“The residents at Little Eden inspire me, it is a place of healing. It is very special place for me.”
“Having witnessed the work the society does over the years it’s amazing, they are a blessed family,” she said.
In her professional career, working for Convatec, Sandra said she also assists nurses with training for catheters for wheelchair patients.
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Advising people who are disabled and might need motivation, Sanda told them to appreciate the fact that they are still alive and still have goals to achieve in life.
She said while in hospital her condition was a sour pill for her to swallow.
“Adopt a good mindset and never give up on life, rather focus on the positive. I’m not saying what happened to me was a good thing but I would never be where I am today if it didn’t.”
Casual Day
Casual Day held on September 1 is the annual fundraising campaign of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
This year’s theme is #ShareASmile with Persons with Disabilities.
“This theme aims to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with disabilities in South Africa,” says NCPD national director Therina Wentzel.
“A smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully, uncontrollable proportions.”
In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to purchase Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1, and to wear them with pride on the day.
Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where purchases can be made, or to order personalised stickers.
@bedfordview.edenv Caxton Local Media is the national media partner for this year’s Casual Day and we encourage our readers to tell us what makes you smile. Share your happy thoughts in the comment section #ShareASmile #CaxtonCares #CasualDay
