Behind the Pages
I am informed on good authority that my birth was greeted with extraordinary excitement.
Born in apartheid-era South Africa, I faced systemic exclusion long before I understood the meaning of politics or discrimination. My disability was seen as a reason to remove me from society — but it became the fuel that ignited my lifelong pursuit of education and purpose.
I never saw myself as different. My mother made sure of that. Because of her, I walked into every space — even the ones designed to exclude me — believing I had a place there.
Book published 2025
Novel Inter-Speech Contest 1988
Novel Prize
Inter-College
3rd Place 1988
2025 Book review
Disabled by Disability
“Disabled by disability? No. Challenged — but never defeated.”
Lesedi FM (National Station)
“Makgari Tsholo Oriel’s Disabled by Disability isn’t just a memoir—it’s a journey through resilience and reflection. Every page feels like a quiet conversation that stays with you long after the broadcast ends.”
Theta FM (Community Station)
“From the hardships of apartheid to the triumphs of personal growth, Disabled by Disability is a testament to turning challenges into purpose. A must-read for anyone seeking strength in the human spirit.”
Sedibeng FM (Community Station)
“Disabled by Disability is compelling, poignant, and unforgettable. Makgari Tsholo Oriel shares his journey with honesty and grace. Tune in to this story—it’s one that will stay with you.”
Disabled by Disability
By Makgari Tsholo Oriel
This book is a mixture of exhilarating youth and a diatribe against my country and its citizens that have neglected and side-lined the disabled people over many years. Lip-service towards addressing the dilemma of disabled people has become hackneyed and it is about time that tangible efforts are made to genuinely address their plight holistically.
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Best wishes,
By Makgari Tsholo Oriel