Meet Nhlakanipho Mphoentle Madisa, currently a Grade 5 learner at Laerskool Du Preez Van Wyk in Bronkhorstspruit and getting more active every time we see him for his follow-up visits at Jumping Kids.

Nhlakanipho was born with Tibial Hemimelia, a congenital condition in which all or part of the tibia (shinbone) is missing. This led to the amputation of his right leg below-the-knee on 7 February 2014 – a bit more than a month before his first birthday.

A tough time of adjustment followed for Nhlakanipho’s family. His mom admits that, at the time, she felt overwhelmed. She then heard about Jumping Kids and decided to reach out.

In 2015 Nhlakanipho was fitted with his first walking prosthesis. He was quick to learn to stand, walk and run unassisted using his prosthetic leg and has developed on par with his able-body peers ever since.

Before being fitted with a prosthesis, he could not play or climb around with his young cousins and had lots of questions about his ‘different leg’. After he got the hang of his prosthetic equipment, the questions stopped. Now he says he is just like any other kid but… ‘with a super-cool leg’.

Nhlakanipho enjoys everything active – from participating in sport, to just climbing and running around or riding his bike with his friends. He also loves music, singing and was so excited when he first learnt how to swim.

Apart from enjoying all the fun that comes with being an active eleven-year-old boy, Nhlakanipho shows a keen interest in Mathematics and is well-known for his love for all animals, insects, fish and birds.

Q&A

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

Maths. I enjoy solving equations.

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

I think I want to be a veterinarian. I really love animals. I even get emotional when my mom wants to kill insects or other pests around the house.

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

I participate in athletics and singing at school.

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

I’d like to try playing Rugby next.

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

A child with a disability is still a child with ability. You are not different, you are unique.