22 Jan 2015

Many people living with disabilities do not shy away from their situation as they engage in projects that will help them earn a living.

Mr Dimpho Galofiwe is one such person who stood up for himself despite his disability and he is now undertaking fashion business to up his living standard. Mr Galofiwe was born 27 years ago at Kolonkwaneng without legs and hands. 

He said he just knows that he was born with disability but has never asked his parents what caused his disability.He revealed that growing up with normal children has never affected him as he grew up without noticing any discrimination towards him.

“Sometimes in life you have to accept your situation because thinking about my disability would just bring pain than good to me, we have to know that some other things cannot be changed in life,” he stressed.

He said he used a wheelchair when he was still young after his parents went to the clinic to ask for assistance from the social worker. He went to Kolonkwaneng Primary School just like everyone. After completing his primary education, he went to further his studies at Kgolagano Junior Secondary School at Middlepits where he was boarder.

“While at boarding school, my family, friends and classmates were supportive and patient with me. They always had time for me, and they made me strong. It is not common to find people who can sacrifice their time for someone they just met,” he added.

After failing to proceed to go to the next level of secondary education, Mr Galofiwe said he went to ask for assistance from social workers because he wanted to upgrade his living. He said he loved art but never thought of studying dress making. He added that dress making was a blessing to him as he has discovered his unknown capabilities.Mr Galofiwe has done Trade Test C certificate in dress making at Tlamelong Rehabilitation Centre from January 2006 to November 2007. He stopped using a wheelchair in 2006 and begun to walk using artificial legs that he bought for himself.

“Using artificial legs was the best part of my life since it was the first time seeing myself stand up and walk just like everyone, and people today cannot notice that I do not have legs,” said Mr Galofiwe, adding that it was a great experience as they had taken a burden off his family who were always with him everywhere he went.

Although he did not imagine himself doing dressing making, he is happy about the opportunity as it has revealed his inner talent. He added that his love for fashion started a few months after his enrolment at the college. During his school days, he also learnt how to fix sewing machines.After completing his studies, he went back home to share his experience with his community. In earlier 2014, he was provided with machines, a generator and other materials to kick-start his business. 

At first his business operated from home and later asked for a room to rent at the village community hall where rent was reasonable. He said the reason for looking for a room was because he electricity as using the generator was costly and not reliable.Mr Galofiwe explained that people in his village and surrounding areas know him and is easy to market his business.

“I make sure that I provide my customers with clothes of high quality and at reasonable prices since I’m new in this industry and looking for regular customers”, he said.

He designs all kinds of clothes like school uniforms, formal, casual and occasional clothes.

ENDS