“I Lost a Leg, but I Still Have My Mind”: Jabulani’s Story

In 2019, a car accident changes Jabulani Ndlovu’s life, leaving him with one leg and a painful struggle to accept his disability. Today, the 35-year-old Gender Champion and community leader is helping others while rebuilding his confidence and shaping his future.

By Lynnia Ngwenya

A Journey Home Takes a Painful Turn

It is a normal day like many other days, Jabulani Ndlovu has knocked off work and is heading home to his wife and daughter in one of the towns in Botswana. But just before the traffic lights, his life takes a dark turn.

“Even today the vision of what transpired is still blurry. I woke up the next day lying in a hospital bed.” says Jabulani.

Accepting the loss feels unbearable. He has lived his whole life with both legs. Now, he struggles to come to terms with a disability that will remain part of his life.

“The journey became a hospital stay lasting one and a half months. During that time, one of my legs had to be amputated. I had to face a change I never imagined.”

The Struggle to Accept

There is the loss itself, then the difficult task of accepting it. Denial makes it hard to look ahead. The life he knows has changed, and finding a way forward takes time. After being released from the hospital in Botswana, he has to return home in Sitezi, Gwanda ward 7.

Back home, he faces another painful struggle, humiliation from people in his community. At a time when he needs support, their treatment makes an already difficult adjustment harder. He is still Jabulani. He still has his skills, his mind and hopes for his family. Yet he finds himself being judged through his disability.

“What I realised is that people don’t easily accept PWDs, they blame them for who they are.”

Acceptance does not come in a single moment. He struggles with what has happened and gradually begins to focus on what he can still do.

“I have lost a leg, but I still have my mind. I will use it to build my future.”

Walking the Journey Together

In 2024, his story takes a new turn. Jabulani meets Nkonwa Foundation Trust, an organisation that encourages PWDs to live a life they choose. Nkonwa links him with Brethren in Christ Compassionate and Development Services (BIC-CDS). The connection opens opportunities for him to participate in community work.

Under the LINCZ project, BIC-CDS walks alongside him on his journey of healing. Through learning about peace and sustainability, he begins to find renewed purpose. He receives opportunities to participate, use his abilities and grow more confident in the work he does.

“My life never remained the same after my encounter with BIC-CDS and Nkonwa Foundation Trust.”

Having space to contribute helps him recognise his value. His ideas matter. His skills are useful. He has a place in the community.

As his confidence grows, Jabulani takes on responsibilities that allow him to help others.

Growing in Confidence and Serving Others

Today, at 35, he is an active gender champion who has helped resolve at least six gender-related cases. He also serves as vice chairperson of the School Development Committee at Sitezi Secondary School and works as a barber.

The man who faced humiliation now takes on responsibilities that allow him to support others. Through barbering, he earns a living using his skills. At the school, he contributes to leadership. As a gender champion, he helps people find solutions. In short, regardless of his physical appearance, he is a strong peace builder and an important member of the community.

“My disability does not take away my ability to think, work or contribute.”

Acceptance Opens a Way Forward

For Jabulani, acceptance means recognising what he cannot change while making use of the abilities he has. It gives him a way to begin again.

“Do not blame yourself for things beyond your control. Focus on what you can do, and do it to the fullest.”

He encourages other persons with disabilities to reach out for assistance and take part in community life. He knows how difficult the journey can be, and he urges them to avoid isolation.

“Dont be shy or discouraged to partake in community activities, the more people see you being positive, the more you regain your confidence.”

He also calls on communities to offer respect, support and opportunities. Persons with disabilities have skills, ideas and dreams. They deserve the chance to put them into practice.

“Accept us as people. We have something to offer and are not mentally broken.”

Still Building His Future

The journey changes Jabulani’s life forever. As a father to a 12-year-old daughter, he continues to approach life positively. He carries the experience of loss with him. He also carries plans for his future and the determination to keep building it. He refuses to be defined by his physical appearance-and so can you!