Mpho Selepe is all about being active. The learner from Moletjie near Polokwane in Limpopo Province was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD).

PFFD, also known as Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), is a rare, non-hereditary birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone, and the proximal femur which caused Mpho’s one limb to be shorter than the other.

Her condition required surgical intervention and access to a prosthesis for her to be independently mobile.

In 2022, she became a Jumping Kids beneficiary and was fitted with the prosthetic equipment that she needs following her surgery. Since then, she has progressed well, especially when participating in her favourite sport, tennis.

Mpho is part of a roster of children from her province who rely on Jumping Kids for their prosthetic equipment and rehabilitation needs as they grow and develop.

She says that, although she can move around independently, there are still some restrictions to the activities she can participate in both at home and in school.

Right now, however, she is making the most of her prosthetic equipment and is looking forward to being able to run!!

Mpho was selected as a The Star Foundation candidate in 2024.

Q&A

1. What is your favourite subject at school and why?

Mathematics. I like working with numbers.

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

I want to be a doctor.

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

I play tennis.

4. What do you hope to try or achieve with your new prosthetic sports blade?

I would like to be able to run.

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

A physical disability should not be a limit. I love being active and I try to be as active as I can.