Disability rights activist Sinikiwe Kademauka embodies the powerful mantra “disability is not inability.”
Through unwavering resilience, she has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, becoming a beacon of inspiration.
Her journey challenges societal perceptions and breaks down barriers, proving the transformative impact one person can have in paving the way for a more inclusive world.
For Kademauka, the phrase is more than a slogan, it’s a lived reality.
Born with a disability in Gandanzara, a rural village in Rusape, she grew up as the only child with a disability in a family of five.
She was rejected by her paternal grandparents and raised by her maternal grandmother, whose love and encouragement instilled in her the resilience to pursue her dreams.
“My grandmother taught me to press on,” Sinikiwe reflected.
“Her support made me see myself as capable, not different from anyone else.”
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Her education began at Jairos Jiri Centre, where she laid the foundation for her future.
Later, she excelled in secondary school, earning As, Bs, and a C in her Ordinary Level exams.
But societal attitudes weighed heavily.
“Growing up, I felt like an outsider,” she said.
“It shattered my confidence, even at university,”
Yet, self-acceptance became her turning point.
She launched a blog to share her story, sparking a wave of support that propelled her into advocacy.
Today, Kademauka is a multifaceted force: a social worker, confidence coach, motivational speaker, beauty blogger, and digital creator.
She empowers young people with disabilities to embrace self-worth and defy limitations.
“I want them to be bold, unapologetic, and fearless,” she says.
Her activism extends to projects like poultry farming, animal husbandry, and horticulture -proof that disability never dimmed her ambition.
A pivotal moment came with the WK Kellogg Scholarship, which she discovered through a newspaper advert.
It enabled her to study in South Africa, opening doors to her career in helping professions.
“It was a dream come true,” she says.
Her personal life is equally fulfilling.
Married for four years to her supportive husband, Rueben Zhiva, and now a mother to their son born in 2023, Kademauka cherishes the love that fuels her work.
“Rueben embraces me fully—even my online advocacy,” she said.
“His support means everything.”
Recognition has followed her impact.
She received a Courage Award from the Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards and was selected for the YouTube Black Voices Fund Class of 2023.
Yet, her path wasn’t without hardship.
The loss of her grandmother brought trauma and self-doubt, but Sinikiwe’s resilience shone through. “I’ve made peace with my journey,” she said.
Kademauka’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance.
By redefining narratives around disability, she fosters a world where inclusion is non-negotiable.
Her legacy? Inspiring others to rise, unshackled by societal limits.
