A dynamic and effervescent Noordwyk resident is a go-getter who lives by the motto, ‘A disability does not equate to an individual’s inability’.
23-year-old Joshua Kelley-Chetty, originally from Durban, was born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children and affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
“Living with cerebral palsy hasn’t been an easy journey at all, but I’ve always had this spirit of determination and of perseverance,” said Chetty.
“Regardless of my physical challenge, I’ve never allowed it to stop me from achieving my goals, and I also have to thank my parents, teachers, and many other people that have had such a positive impact on my life.”
During Grade 9, he was transferred from a mainstream school to a special-needs school, where he developed an interest in a wide range of things without letting his disability define him.
“I achieved top results at New Hope School in Pretoria during my matric year and was placed first in South Africa for the learners with special needs education category. This was the moment that changed everything for me as it opened my eyes to see the world differently,” he said.
He went on to achieve a BA Degree in Strategic Brand Communication from Vega School, was named Panache Man of Valour in 2021, became a youth ambassador for the International Youth Society of South Africa, was named one of the Ladies of All Nations International (Loani) Top 50 world’s most influential young leaders for 2021, and is currently working in the e-learning field.
Among his many talents, he is an aspiring entrepreneur, brand promoter, actor, and model. He aims to make a positive impact both locally and internationally by raising awareness about cerebral palsy, mental health, and humanitarian work. “I aspire to encourage and motivate other people to never give up on their dreams despite any challenges they may encounter and to always leave people feeling better about themselves.”
Moreover, Chetty has been selected as a finalist in the Mr India South Africa 2022 competition to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban on December 11. “This is an ideal platform to help me develop myself in both a professional and personal capacity, achieve my goals, and I would like to sincerely thank Mr Danny Moodliyar for this amazing opportunity,” he concluded.
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