Burns survivor shares story of pain, resilience and triumph

Sicelo Maduna is testament to the power of the human spirit as the 25-year old continues to defy the odds and keep a positive mind-set amid incredibly challenging circumstances.

Born on May 14, 1998, Scelo was one month old when a candle fell on to a bed and caught fire at their home in Vukuzak township, Volksrust.

Tragically, Sicelo suffered severe burns that would forever alter the course of his life. Due to the fire, he lost his right eye, right hand and a bone deflection into his scalp.

Not one to shy away from the public, he approached the Newcastle Advertiser to share his story, and motivate those going through similar experiences. He recounted his childhood, growing up in the township and his experiences once he reached school going age.

“Growing up, I faced many challenges, but the most difficult one was being called a monster by other kids. At times they wouldn’t even want to play with me.

“Some older people would gossip about my disability of only having one hand and how I looked whenever I went out with my mother,” he recalled with pain.

It was not just the emotional challenges that were tough but the physical ones were equally hard to bear.

“I honestly don’t know how many operations I’ve had but there have been multiple skin grafts to restore the look on my face, tissue expanders inserted to restore my hairline so I could have hair on my head, and my arm amputated because the bone on my right arm was growing and piercing through the skin.”

Even through all the trials, he credits his loving family for always being by his side and helping him through.

“My family have been supportive all the way especially when I got to be about six or seven years old and it was time to face the world.”

Scelo speaks of his family so fondly that one can see how that love has helped him throughout his life.

“I come from a close-knit, happy family that values love and respect. I have three other siblings and grew up with younger and older cousins who I consider my immediate family.

“My grandmother would take me to church with her even though she knew that the children would start crying when they would see me. The adults would stare and gossip as well, but my family didn’t care,” he recalled.

He also credits an organisation called Children of Fire s playing a pivotal role in his journey to healing. The Johannesburg-based organisation helped him with operations and assisted him with a life coach who contributed to him regaining his self-esteem and build confidence as a burn survivor.

The road to recovery has been long and gruelling but through it all Sicelo has demonstrated incredible strength and determination.

“Overcoming these challenges wasn’t easy but as soon I started socialising, sharing motivations on social media and telling my story, a whole other world opened.”

Not allowing his disability to deter his dreams, Sicelo has gone on to pursue higher education, obtaining a certificate in office administration from Majuba TVET College and is currently completing a learnership course in production technology with Signa Academy.

But he is also focussed on giving back… Sicelo spends his spare time assisting the youth in Volksrust with job applications and college and university applications. He also enjoys motivating the youth based on his experiences.

“My motto in life is ‘the disability in me has enabled many possibilities”

Sicelo’s life and journey is marked by courage, resilience and an unwavering determination to overcome adversity. To anyone going through the same difficulties, he shared these parting words:

“They elevate you when they talk about you. Always walk with pride, speak with pride, and maintain a positive attitude”.

Wise words from a truly exceptional young man!

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).