Leon’s story serves as an inspiration to all

PEOPLE with no disabilities are often lazy.

They often do not want to study or they are choosy when it comes to job hunting without having qualifications.

They rely on their families to take care of them, which is not a good thing. You should not be a burden to other people.

On the other hand you find people with disabilities being ambitious and striving to be independent, not allowing their disability to bring them down and working hard for their earnings.

A recent Zululand Observer article told the story of Arboretum resident Leon Grobler who was diagnosed with the hereditary disease Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2012.

A year later he was completely blind as per his doctor’s prediction, but he did not let his disability stop him. He successfully completed a NQF2 contact support course at a college.

Before his eye condition he was an Operations Manager at Kimony Mine for over 10 years and later moved on to NatAfrica where he held a supervisory role.

‘You do not count the number of times you get knocked down. It is how many times you get back up,’ he boldly stated. This is his motto that keeps him going.

Leon’s story should inspire everyone, whether disabled or not, because he is living proof that if you are determined to make something of your life nothing but death can stop you.

SPHESIHLE MADONSELA