Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
TWO years ago, Nyasha Chibvongodze was living the life of his dreams.
Then, one night, everything changed.
After a night out with friends, Chibvongodze, 30, was driving home when his car crashed into a security wall.
Since then he has been stuck on a wheelchair and the accident cost him his job and shattered all his dreams.
“I am an accountant by profession but, after the accident, I lost my job.
“I remember that night vividly. I was on my way home after a good chill with friends when I injured my spine.
“I was alone and I don’t even know how my car rammed into a security wall.
“Now, I find myself paraplegic.
“Before the accident, I had a fulfilling job and a stable life. Losing that was a painful experience, I was so accustomed to working.”
The trauma of the accident still rings in his mind but Nyasha is thankful of the support system, especially his family and friends.
“I don’t recall much from that day but I learned about it from my parents. They rushed me to the hospital and I woke up three days later in the Intensive Care Unit.
“I couldn’t feel my legs and the doctors explained it was spinal shock.
“Eventually, I had to confront the fact that this situation might be permanent.
“It wasn’t easy to accept but my family’s unwavering support helped me through.
“I spent two months in the hospital recovering from two surgeries, one on my spine and another on my jaw, which had been injured.
“During that time, I kept telling myself that I would walk again, even though the pain was huge.
“At one point, I thought my time had come to die, but I realised God had other plans for me.”
He then received news that he would not walk again.
“At the rehab centre, I was initially told I would spend a year there but I was discharged after just two months.
“My physiotherapist delivered the heartbreaking news that I wouldn’t walk again. I still held on to hope, but I had to accept the reality.
“Everyone’s experience is different. For me, it was relatively easy to accept my condition.
“I sometimes imagine living without legs and I know that managing relationships can be difficult.
“Anger and frustration can arise, especially when simple tasks like getting a cup of water feel insurmountable.”
He added:
“It’s not easy for others to see me in a wheelchair.
“Initially, I was frustrated by their reactions but acceptance became essential.
“Understanding my own situation helped me cope better.
“I still hang out with the same friends but now it’s different. Dealing with situations while in a wheelchair presents challenges for me and those around me.”
Determined to carve out a new path, Nyasha is embracing a career in digital marketing.
“The opportunities vary and digital marketing allows me to work remotely.
“Transitioning from a regular salary to freelancing has been a challenge but my dreams remain intact, they have simply shifted towards entrepreneurship.
“I still aspire to become a chartered accountant.”
He added:
“Finding true love is something that comes with real people who genuinely love the way you are.
“It’s a bit more challenging, especially when you are seeking someone who can accept you as you are.
“I need to be careful.”
