Ms Lydia Nemafhohoni is on a mission to fight poverty and create jobs for people from around Vhembe who live with disabilities.
Nemafhohoni herself is bound to a wheelchair, but she was not born disabled. She was diagnosed with polio as a child and, as a result, eventually lost the use of her legs altogether.
The mother of three is the chairperson of a community farming project called the Konanani Disability Agricultural Project, which is based in Pile village. The co-operative was started in 2004 and registered in 2009. Now they employ 10 permanent and 11 temporary workers, as well as 11 seasonal workers. This successful agricultural project produces broiler chickens, seasonal vegetables and fruit. It also has a small grocery shop.
"Our idea was to show the communities that being disabled doesn't mean 'unable', and we must do away with depending on disability grants. We must get up and do things for ourselves and show the world that we are part and parcel of the rebuilding of an economy. We want people with disabilities to empower themselves and take part in community-driven projects to help fight poverty and unemployment," she said.
Nemafhohoni also plays other important roles in her community. She is the chairperson of the Limpopo People with Disabilities in Agriculture and Rural Development organisation, as well as the managing director of a local soccer team, Managa Football Academy, that plays under the Thulamela Football Association.
Her advice to other disabled people is to utilise their disability grants to improve their lives. "I saved my disability grant, until I could start this project. It is good to save a little of what you have because you never know what might happen tomorrow. Learn to work for yourselves, rather than depend on other people for survival."