A former learner at Sikhululekile High School in Hammanskraal, 17-year-old Cathy Sealetsa is currently (2025) busy with hospitality training at Kwalata Game Lodge in the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve in Gauteng Province.

Cathy was born with congenital talipes equinovarus, more commonly known as club foot, which is a birth defect in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position. When she was three years old, the medical decision was made to amputate Cathy’s left foot at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Pretoria. She subsequently became a beneficiary of the Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund and was fitted with her first sponsored prosthesis shortly after.

Although orphaned from a young age, Cathy has developed into a charming young lady and is loved by everyone who has the opportunity to meet her. Citing that she would like to become a qualified chef one day, she says that she is coping well with her prosthetic equipment and enjoys learning about the hospitality industry.

In 2025, Cathy was selected as a The Star Foundation candidate.

Q&A

1. What is your favourite subject?

Consumerism because I am interested in improved customer service.

What would you like to pursue as a career one day?

I would love to become a qualified chef.

2. What types of sport and extracurricular activities are you involved in?

Running and netball.

3. What do you hope to try with your new prosthetic sport blade?

I hope to regain my independence and freedom of movement.

4. What is your message to children living with a physical challenge?

My message to kids living with physical disability is to love themselves and to accept their situation with courage and grace.

Since becoming a Jumping Kid Katie has…

• blossomed into a confident, bubbly young lady
• gained the ability to walk unaided and to run and play around like any other kid her age
• represented the Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund at the Is Ability Awareness Day (2011) Ro3 Water 4Good Event (2012), StepUp500 Challenge (2013) Warrior Race (2013),