“I walk on my knees, I dream of a wheelchair” – Nkayi man speaks on his pain since birth

Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter

FOR 27-year-old Usy Ndlovu from Mafohla Village in the Somlimu area of Nkayi District, Matabeleland North, his knees serve as his feet after he was born with a disability.

Because of his condition and the lack of a wheelchair, Ndlovu dropped out of school at Grade Three, as he could not manage the long distance to the nearest school.

Despite the challenges, he has learnt to adapt so that he can take part in daily activities within his community.

For first-time observers, watching him move evokes deep emotion, as he uses his hands for balance while his legs, bent below the knees, cross behind him as he walks.

“My parents, who are now late, told me that I was born like this. I now live with my grandparents. Life has been hard because I failed to finish school. The school was far, and with my condition I could not manage the distance,” he said.

Ndlovu said he has not experienced discrimination from community members, but long distances remain a major challenge due to his disability.

“Sometimes I develop blisters on my knees from walking,” he said.

He survives by repairing cellphones, a skill he taught himself, but says the income is not enough to sustain a decent livelihood.

“Life is hard. I survive by fixing cellphones, which I learnt on my own, but it is not enough to earn a proper living. My greatest wish is to get a wheelchair from well-wishers to improve my mobility,” he said.

Ndlovu said he often wishes he could walk like others and fully participate in community activities.

“I sometimes wish I could walk properly and join others esigwejeni to look for money and even play soccer. Every time I watch people playing soccer, ngiyabe ngidlela. If I could also get proper training in cellphone repairs and some capital, I would do well because, despite being self-taught, I am able to fix phones,” he said.

A local medical practitioner said it was difficult to determine Ndlovu’s condition without a physical examination but suspected it could be poliomyelitis.

Usy Ndlovu can be contacted on 0788 918 424 for those willing to assist.

@themkhust