18-07-2025
Thato Mphuthi is outpacing her peers
Thato Mphuthi's life was changed when, as an 8-year-old, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the right hip. Although she recovered from the illness, she had to rely on crutches for mobility.
This not only changed her perception of herself but also radicalised her because of the difference in treatment she experienced. She was bullied and alienated by her peers.
'It is through that discomfort that I started creating spaces [and] inviting and empowering other young disabled voices to ensure that they also take up space,' she told News24.
At 30, she's the founder and director of Enabled Enlightenment - a disability-rights and advocacy organisation.
She has spent the last five years providing support for people living with disabilities and their families and providing sensitivity training for workplaces. As an admitted 'big dreamer', she's not letting her disability or the perceptions people have of her limit her potential.
'I am a self-starter; I literally fight tooth and nail for everything that I have.'
