Meet Mbali Mahlale: She passed matric writing only with her feet

This is the inspiring story of Mbali Mahlale. She’s a young schoolgirl who doesn’t let the congenital absence of her upper limbs from birth hold her back. Last year she wrote and passed matric with a distinction. Now she is retaking her exams and dreams of furthering her career in medicine.

Hailing from Giyani, Limpopo, she attended Myngenoegen English Private School (MEPS) in Polokwane. In spite of her obvious disability, she taught herself to do what all her classmates could do, only using her feet.

MEET MBALI MAHLALE

As such, Mbali Mahlale writes with her right foot, using a desk and chair that’s slightly adapted. She eats, dresses and bathes herself with her left foot and she can even play skip-rope and ball games at break. Better still, she absolutely loves to learn. Her favourite subjects are math and physics.

“There is nothing difficult about school because I love reading and practicing math,” she said. Her classmates concur there is nothing she cannot do. And MEPS principal, Sandy Pitsi, praised her hard work and confidence as out of this world. “Sometimes people think I can’t do much because of the way I look. But being born without arms won’t stop me from succeeding. I want to be treated just like anyone else,” says Mbali Mahlale.

TOP 10 PUPILS IN HER GRADE

We can all take a leaf out of Mbali Mahlale’s book and strive to be the best we can be, in spite of our setbacks. Image: File

Her mother, Vutlhari, moved her to Polokwane for better medical support, and MEPS offered her a hostel room. Vutlhari thanked the school for giving her daughter a platform to grow, learn and improve. She called it the meaningful difference in her daughter’s life.

However, despite being in the top ten of her class, with a distinction, Mbali Mahlale decided to rewrite her matric exams back in June. “I hope to upgrade my mathematics and physical sciences grades. Because I believe growth is a lifelong process and that dreams are worth working for. My goal is to pursue a career in the medical field,” she said.

MBALI MAHLALE IS AN INSPIRATION

Ultimately, her story doesn’t ask readers to feel sorry for a disabled child. Instead, it shows the innate fight that millions of disabled and able-bodied South Africans see in themselves. South Africans will not take a backward step, and the brave Mbali Mahlale truly embodies that spirit.

But what do you think? Are you inspired by the courage and determination of Mbali Mahlale? Do stories like this help refocus the challenges in your own life? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …