SK Gibson Sifuba (14) from KwaZakhele suffered a brain injury and was diagnosed with a learning disability after a car accident in 2018. He was transferred to Lonwabo School for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) in Motherwell.
As a result of the trauma he experienced, he lacked self-confidence and often doubted himself.
With the help of speech therapy, and joining Sophisticate Models last year, Sifuba gradually began gaining confidence.
He said that he also received a great deal of support from Liezel Steenkamp from Pro Design Photographers, which he is thankful for.
To further improve his confidence, Sifuba began competing in modelling competitions and has done exceptionally well.
Last year he was featured in Pretty Little Poser Model Magazine, a modelling magazine based in the United Kingdom, and he won a bronze medal, as well as the people’s choice award, as part of the magazine’s various competitions.
Earlier this year he was the runner-up in the Mr and Miss Eastern Cape Teen and recently won in the males’ age 14 to 16 category of the Face of PPMC Magazine Photogenic and Cover Model competition.
“I have learnt so much from modelling and competing in competitions. I have also gotten my self-confidence back,” said Sifuba.
In March this year he competed in the Mr and Miss Eastern Cape Primary School, where he impressed the judges during the interview process and passed the first round of the competition.
The finals of the competition will take place on July 29.
Sifuba said he is hoping to win the competition and become an ambassador for his school since his school’s slogan, “Impossible is Nothing” has inspired him to follow his dreams regardless of his disability.
“I want to represent my school and show the world that children living with disabilities can also achieve great things, and they should not limit themselves because of their disabilities,” said Sifuba.
To prepare for the competition, he was required to embark on a charity project.
Sifuba said that he had decided to volunteer at a day care, in the hope that he could impact the lives of young children.
With help from his older brother, Ntando, who is a learner at KwaZakhele High School, he handed out soup, bread, and oranges to the little children at Solakha Ikamva Day Care in Wells Estate.
Sifuba said that they had a great experience singing and dancing with the children.
He said that they ended the day singing Peace in our land by Chicco and various other artistes, to inspire and motivate their growing minds.
Sifuba said that since his mother, Sonia, and his church, St Peter’s Catholic Church in Swartkops, taught him about the importance of Ubuntu, he has always believed that young people were required to give back to their community.
“Giving back to the community and volunteering your time is a great way of showing humility. Also knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life feels good,” said Sifuba.
He said that he would like to thank the staff at Solakha Ikamva Day Care, especially teacher Porcia Daniso, for their warm welcome. Sifuba said he would be visiting the school again.
