“What is impossible with humans, it’s possible with God.” These are the words of Zolisa Mfincane, who despite being told by the doctor that he would never walk again, is now a beacon of hope for many who find themselves in similar situations.
The 33-year-old from Mfuleni was diagnosed with meningitis in 2005, at the age of 11. He says he spent three months in a coma at Tygerberg Hospital before being discharged in a wheelchair. As a Grade 4 learner at Mfuleni Primary School at the time, he says the illness severely affected his health and forced him to drop out of school. His feet and hands did not function.

Doctors’ grim prognosis

“The doctor told me that I would never be able to walk again and that I would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life,” he recalled.
Despite the grim prognosis, Mfincane refused to give up hope. His recovery became a journey of faith, determination and perseverance as he worked to regain the use of his body.
He said physiotherapy, combined with his parents’ prayers and support, helped him regain his strength and walk again.
After numerous months of struggle, he said he started walking again towards the end of 2005.

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Back on his feet 

“I started walking at the end of October. I managed to return to school the following year. I was promoted to the next grade, but I had to practise writing again because my hands were stiff and it was difficult to hold a pen,” he said.
Mfincane said when he first started walking again, he struggled with his balance and he was limping when he was walking, which led other children to make fun of him.
He said he had experienced health challenges from a young age, but his determination to continue with his education kept him going.
After recovering from meningitis, his teachers advised him to attend a special school because they believed he was struggling to cope in a mainstream classroom. However, Mfincane refused to allow the setback to determine his future.
Knowing what he was capable of, he persisted with his studies and eventually matriculated from
Manzomthombo High School in 2015.
Mfincane said he grew up as an active child who enjoyed playing football like many other children in the townships.
However, his health struggles took a toll on his mental and emotional wellbeing. He said he attempted to take his own life four times but survived each time.

Mental health struggles

“When I was discharged from hospital, I had anxiety and was very depressed.
“I couldn’t believe that my life had changed so quickly. I hated myself. It was hard for me to accept the condition I was in. But throughout it all, I never stopped praying until I regained my confidence,” he said.
From 2016 to 2019, Mfincane worked as a clerk at Dr Irvin Toms Clinic in Mfuleni.
In 2020, he released a gospel album titled Xa Sisemthandazweni, which reflects on his life journey and experiences.

From meningitis survivor to athlete

Last year, Mfincane joined a local athletics club to keep himself active and busy.
His coach, Nicholas Mpontshane, described him as a fighter and a dedicated member of the club. “Mfincane joined the club in October last year. He has a die-hard spirit. He can run many km without taking a rest. He is a friendly person, and he likes to learn new things,” said Mpontshane.
Mfincane is also doing his second year of a Tourism course at Northlink College’s Bellville campus.
For Mfincane, his journey from being told he might never walk again to becoming an athlete is a testament to his belief that determination, faith and perseverance can help people overcome seemingly impossible challenges.