Born without hands and raised in the rural village of Dididi outside Thohoyandou, Mpho Mathabi continues to inspire many through his resilience, determination and storytelling. Using his feet to perform everyday tasks, Mathabi has transformed his personal struggles into a message of hope through his latest book, Wet Wood Still Burns.
The motivational book focuses on perseverance, faith, self-discovery and overcoming difficult circumstances. Mathabi said the inspiration behind the book came from his own life experiences and the challenges he has faced growing up with a disability.
“The title symbolises people who may feel delayed, broken or overlooked, yet still carry purpose and potential within them,” he explained.
The book uses the metaphor of wet wood taking longer to catch fire to show that success may come later for some people, but that does not mean they will never succeed. Through personal experiences and life lessons, Mathabi encourages readers not to give up on themselves, even during life’s toughest moments.
“One of the main lessons I want readers to take from the book is that delays are not denials. Difficult seasons should not define a person’s future,” he said.
Mathabi is also the author of Life Worth Living, his first published book, which similarly focuses on hope and personal growth. Apart from being an author, he is a motivational speaker, founder of the non-profit organisation Vhumatshelo Hashu – Our Future, and a graduate with a National N Diploma in Marketing.