Mpumelelo Mhlongo's journey began with a congenital deformity diagnosis. He was born with amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and a deformed clubfoot – conditions that set him apart from his peers from an early age.
But little did the young boy from Klaarwater, KZN, know that he would one day become a two-time Paralympian and record-breaking athlete.
Growing up, Mpumelelo tells Drum, in a community where disability was often stigmatized, he faced the dual challenge of coping with his condition while striving to redefine perceptions of what it means to live with a disability.
The PhD student reflects on his childhood journey of being stigmatised for his condition and how it forced him to build resilience.
“When you grow up in an area that isn’t familiar with deformities and disability in general, you really struggle with being stigmatised as a person that could spread the disability onto other children . . . it just created a lot of resilience [within me]."
He credits his family, particularly his mother, for instilling in him the strength to overcome societal barriers and embrace his uniqueness.
“My mom used to call my deformed leg, her leg,” he recalls, emphasising how would use that as a coping mechanism when people would tease him. He’d often go and report the incident to his mother, who would just brush it off with laughter – which also made him feel lighter.
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Driven by a desire to prove himself and break free from societal constraints, Mpumelelo found solace and purpose in sports.
"I really got into sports as a way to differentiate myself," he explains. With determination and unwavering dedication, he honed his athletic abilities, swiftly becoming known as the fastest kid in the neighbourhood.
His journey from the township to the international stage is a testament to his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. "I was just trying to make sure that I'm not the kid with the disability, but I'm actually the fastest kid in the block that everyone wants to have in their sporting teams," Mpumelelo reflects, underscoring the transformative power of sports in shaping his identity.
While Mpumelelo's athletic achievements have garnered widespread acclaim, his ambitions extend beyond the realm of sports.
As a chemical engineering student at the prestigious University of Cape Town, Mpumelelo is passionate about leveraging his academic pursuits to effect positive change in society.
His groundbreaking doctorate research focuses on waste-to-energy conversion, offering innovative solutions to South Africa's energy crisis while addressing environmental challenges.
Speaking on the inspiration behind his research project, he emphasises the imperative of sustainable energy practices in building a better future for generations to come.
As a proud ambassador for STEPS, an organidation dedicated to treating clubfoot and promoting early detection, Mpumelelo is committed to raising awareness and destigmatising disabilities.
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"Just because you were born with clubfoot or you were born with a disability, it does not mean that your life has certain caps or limitations," he says, urging individuals to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams without reservation.
With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the horizon, Mpumelelo has his eye on the prize.
“The Paralympics will be my third. So we’re taking it one step at a time to ensure that we are in the best shape possible.”
As Mpumelelo contemplates the next chapter of his life, he envisions a future defined by purpose and impact.
"I don't want to limit what that next phase may be," he shares, emphasizing his commitment to serving as a catalyst for positive change, whether through community engagement, advocacy, or academic endeavours.
As World Birth Defects Day approaches on 3 March, Mpumelelo’s message to individuals and families affected by birth defects is that despite the challenges that come with it, resilience can be cultivated as a tool to propel oneself forward, not as a barrier to progress.
“This advice has personally guided me, and I hope it can inspire others to strive for their aspirations despite any obstacles they may face.”
