THERE ARE NO EXCUSES

This high-achieving matriculant won't let her disability get in the way of her dreams

- NOKUTHULA ZWANE-EJIKE

PAIN is her constant companion, the ache in her hips and back making even sitting in her wheelchair a challenge.

But Malwandla Baloyi has one thing that her disability can't take away from her – a fighting spirit. And it's helped her achieve the one thing she wanted most: to pass matric and be accepted to university.

The 18-year-old didn't only fulfil her goal – she aced it, scoring four As and being honoured for outstanding work despite her challenges. She was also accepted at no fewer than three universities and a bright future beckons for the plucky teen.

Malwandla, who's from Pretoria, was born with a rare genetic condition called osteogenesis imperfecta. The condition, commonly known as brittle bone disease, results in bones that break easily. She also suffers from scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve.

She's had more than 12 surgeries and has had at least eight fractures. Even though illness kept her out of school for sometimes months on end she never fell behind.

Malwandla, who matriculated from New Hope School, and 38 other learners were recently celebrated at a function hosted by basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube. When YOU catches up with her a few days later, she still has to pinch herself to make sure she isn't dreaming.

“The reality is starting to sink in, especially after returning home and being recognised by so many in my community,” she says.

Malwandla received distinctions in visual arts, Afrikaans, maths literacy and life orientation.

She also participated in the national boccia tournament, a precision sport designed for athletes with motor impairments where players throw or roll balls towards a target ball.

“Managing both sports and academics was demanding, especially as the national boccia championships took time away from my studies. Training for that added a new dimension to my routine,” she says.