My name is Sandile Theo T Mampharing Author and advocate for people living with mental disabilities.
The mantle of ‘writer’ was never one I sought. My life, a tapestry woven with threads far richer than mere words, held a cruel irony: the very act of writing, the tool of expression, was my greatest adversary. Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, those insidious saboteurs, cost long shadows over my childhood, transforming the sanctuary of school into a battleground. I abhorred its halls, its lessons, its very essence. Home, the haven of camaraderie and unburdened play, was my sole refuge. Yet, the academia demands, the relentless barrage of tasks, left me drowning in a sea of inadequacy.
Each failed attempt, each scornful glance, chipped away at my self-worth, leaving deep, emotional scars. I was a stranger in my own life, a solitary figure navigating a labyrinth of incomprehension. My mother, witness to my daily torment, became my shield, my fortress. Every afternoon, I retreated, constructing elaborate facades to mask my profound struggles. Even the simple act of writing my name, a fundamental act of identity, was an insurmountable obstacle. My form three results, a stark testament to the systemic failure, denied me even the basic accommodation of a Scribe. I failed. My mother, in her unwavering belief, urged me to repeat, but I, desperate for the normalcy of my peers, refused. We sought solace in a private institution, a fragile hope for redemption.
But form four and five proved even more treacherous, a relentless cycle of failure that brought me to the precipice of despair. I blamed the heavens, engaging in a spiritual war, a desperate plea for understanding. Pain became my constant companion, my unyielding backbone. The psychological clinic, a place of supposed healing, became another source of humiliation, where I, a young adults 19 years old, was relegated to the realm of preschool children, relearning the very rudiments of literacy. Yet , I persevered enduring two years of relentless effort. In 2018, against all odds, I embarked on a seemingly impossible journey: writing a book called, Embracing Dyslexia Dysgraphia in Africa. With the unwavering support of friends, who served as my scribes, I poured my soul onto paper. Two and a half years later, in 2020, my debut work was published. And in 2023, I published my other book called, With God I am able not disabled. A feat I never imagined possible. But my story did not end there.
I expanded my horizons, pursuing studies in construction, Diamond and diamond grading and OHS- Occupational Health Safety. I became an advocate, a voice for the voiceless in my country telling the story of a Africa child, raising awareness about learning disabilities. My dedication was recognized, my voice amplified through awards and collaborations with organizations like Botswana Dyslexia Support Service . Here I stand, a testament to the indomitable spirit, fueled by the unwavering belief that ‘all things through Christ who strengthens me. That truth, that unbreakable foundation, propels me forward, and it will continue to guide my path. This is my story: a battle fought, a victory won. I am proof that even from the deepest despair, a phoenix can rise. Thank you🙏💐
