Kamogelo Sodi, a 14-year-old paraplegic with a passion for life, has defied all odds with his independence and unwavering determination.
Johannesburg, South Africa (09 September 2024) – At just 14 years old, Kamogelo Sodi of Alberton is proving that nothing can hold him back. With dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, a passion for basketball, and a love for his three little brothers, Kamogelo is doing everything most teenagers do—with one difference. He accomplishes it all from his wheelchair.
Kamogelo’s story is one of incredible resilience and determination, a reminder that our circumstances don’t define us, but how we respond to them does.
“Since I’ve been in a wheelchair, I’ve become more confident,” Kamogelo shares with a smile. “I was extremely shy, and I didn’t have a lot of friends, but now I have loads of friends.”
His journey hasn’t been easy. In 2016, at just six years old, Kamogelo was involved in a car accident that left him with a severe spinal injury, resulting in complete paraplegia. After emergency surgery, he spent almost six months at the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital learning to navigate his “new normal.” It was there that Kamogelo’s courage and determination began to shine.
“When I first got to the hospital, I was lost. I didn’t know how to use a wheelchair. I was still so young,” he recalls. But the staff were kind, teaching him everything he needed to know. “At first, I struggled to move around. I battled to transfer myself from place to place, but they showed me what to do, and over time, I started getting used to it. I managed to start moving myself around, and I began to enjoy it.”
Kamogelo’s mother, Reshoketswe Sodi, a radiation therapist, was determined that he wouldn’t fall behind in school during this challenging time.
“It was important for me that he continued his schoolwork while there. When the social worker asked me what I wanted to happen, the first thing I said was that I didn’t want to break the routine of what he had been doing and that I wanted him to continue with school,” she explains.
Her dedication paid off. Kamogelo’s positive attitude and hard work became evident to everyone around him. He didn’t just learn to use his wheelchair; he mastered it.
“I didn’t like people pushing me around,” he says with a grin.
The independence he gained made him stronger, both physically and mentally.
In 2022, Kamogelo faced another challenge when he developed a severe pressure sore. He returned to the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, where he underwent surgery and then rehabilitation. Despite homesickness and physical pain, Kamogelo pushed through.
“I began to miss home, and I cried and said I wanted to go home. They spoke nicely to me and said they first had to help me so I could go back home with no problems,” he remembers.
His determination didn’t go unnoticed. Charne Cox, a physiotherapist at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, describes Kamogelo as “bubbly, intelligent, and with lovely manners.” She recalls how motivated he was, always putting in his best effort.
“He manages to go to school each day, not because of us, but because of his character,” she says.
Kamogelo’s journey to independence has been filled with hurdles, but he’s taken every challenge in stride. From learning to manage his own mobility to mastering techniques for daily care, he has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive. His passion for learning is just as strong as his will to overcome any obstacle.
“As long as I follow the path that I want to do and enjoy it, I will continue pursuing that path,” he says confidently.
And his academic achievements speak for themselves—Kamogelo was the top achiever from grade four to grade six.
When he’s not at school, Kamogelo enjoys exploring his estate, taking in the fresh air, and being a loving older brother to his three younger siblings.
“They’re a handful, but what can I say – they’re my brothers, and I love them,” he laughs.
Kamogelo credits much of his strength to his parents, whom he calls his heroes. His mother beams with pride when she talks about her son.
“He’s playful and has a great sense of humour. He’s helpful in the house. Instead of wanting us to help him, thanks to the skills he learned at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, Kamogelo always says, ‘Let me give you a hand. Let me help you.’”
Kamogelo is a young man with a bright future, undeterred by the obstacles life has thrown his way. His story is one of courage, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that he can do anything he sets his mind to. As he works towards his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon, Kamogelo continues to inspire everyone who meets him with his infectious positivity and incredible can-do attitude.
by 