Mabasa is an extraordinary woman living in Gauteng, South Africa, who has battled against numerous adversities to become an influential community leader and successful entrepreneur. Despite being diagnosed with mild spastic diplegia/diparesis cerebral palsy, which led to her using crutches and a wheelchair, Mabasa never let these experiences deter her. She founded Phoenix Alexandra, an organization that engages children and young adults in a range of activities, and aims to extend its services to more underprivileged communities in the future. Mabasa’s life serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of resilience, determination, and the potential of every individual.
Triumph Over Adversity
Mabasa’s life has been anything but ordinary, marked by a relentless battle against adversity. Despite being bound to a wheelchair throughout her schooling years, she never let these experiences deter her. Instead, they acted as catalysts, spurring her on to pursue her dreams with an insurmountable spirit of determination.
Nestled within the Alexandra township in Gauteng resides a remarkable woman, a shining beacon of hope for those around her. Mabasa, an epitome of authenticity, tenacity, and passionate fervor, has artistically woven her life’s struggles into triumphant tales of grit and victory. Diagnosed with mild spastic diplegia/diparesis Cerebral Palsy causing frequent spasms and muscle stiffness in her early years, she has surmounted several hurdles to emerge as an influential community leader, successful entrepreneur, and an inspiring role model.
Triumph Over Adversity
Mabasa’s life has been anything but ordinary, marked by a relentless battle against adversity. A surgical procedure at a tender age of seven led her to therapy, teaching her to articulate her thoughts and to the essential use of crutches for mobility. Despite being bound to a wheelchair throughout her schooling years, necessitating regular physiotherapy, she never let these experiences deter her. Instead, they acted as catalysts, spurring her on to pursue her dreams with an insurmountable spirit of determination.
Armed with crutches, Mabasa learned to walk and eventually earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design. Embracing inclusivity and resilience, she advocates the strength and beauty inherent in diversity. “Beauty in our differences,” as Mabasa eloquently phrases it, encapsulates her vision for a society that is inclusive and safe.
Harnessing Youth Potential
This principle is the cornerstone of Phoenix Alexandra, a venture Mabasa initiated to engage children and young adults in a myriad of activities. The organization stemmed from her friend, Joseph Setlhake’s request to assemble a dance group for an event. It rapidly evolved into a body catering to a broad spectrum of interests, encompassing dance, singing, acting, modeling, reading, and chess.
Phoenix Alexandra tailors its programs to cater to children aged from six to 17, and young adults keen to comprehend positive body image, the essence of kindness, and the importance of hard work. Despite the hurdles of securing funds and finding suitable spaces for rehearsals and activities, Mabasa’s initiative has thrived, with the aid of small donations from supportive parents and the income from her corporate motivational talks.
Beyond Phoenix Alexandra
Mabasa’s influence is not confined to her organization. She is a Gold Award holder in South Africa for the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment/Duke of Edinburgh International Award, an initiative aiming to mold young individuals into responsible and dedicated citizens. Her diverse roles as an entrepreneur, poet, dancer, choreographer, fashion designer, motivational speaker, and model have earned her recognition as a role model by the Valhalla Arts Tributes Awards and the Sunday World Unsung Hero for youth in Sports, Arts, and Culture award.
At the center of Mabasa’s achievements is her unwavering faith in the potential of the youth. Resonating with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, Mabasa acknowledges the indispensable role that the youth play in shaping the nation’s destiny. Furthermore, she has used her own experiences as a disabled individual to motivate and empower others through her book, “Celebrating our differences embracing my superpowers.”
Looking Ahead
As Mabasa casts her gaze upon the future, she aspires to extend the services of Phoenix Alexandra to more underprivileged communities. This strategic move is empowered by her commitment to excellence, empathy, and professionalism. She advises young individuals, particularly those living with disabilities or residing in townships, that every decision they make has significant repercussions. Her life is a living testament to this belief. While she has accepted her disability, she has not permitted it to steer her life’s trajectory. Instead, she has used it as a springboard to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.
Mabasa’s journey embodies the transformative power of resilience, determination, and a fervent belief in the beauty of diversity. Her life’s work serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential at the heart of every individual and the profound impact one can make when they choose to rise above adversity.
1. Who is Mabasa?
Mabasa is an influential community leader and successful entrepreneur living in Gauteng, South Africa. She is also the founder of Phoenix Alexandra, an organization that engages children and young adults in a range of activities.
2. What is Mabasa’s medical condition?
Mabasa was diagnosed with mild spastic diplegia/diparesis cerebral palsy, which caused frequent spasms and muscle stiffness in her early years. She uses crutches and a wheelchair to aid her mobility.
3. What is Phoenix Alexandra?
Phoenix Alexandra is an organization founded by Mabasa that engages children and young adults in a range of activities, from dance, singing, acting, modeling, reading, to chess. It aims to extend its services to more underprivileged communities in the future.
4. What other roles does Mabasa have besides being the founder of Phoenix Alexandra?
Mabasa is a Gold Award holder in South Africa for the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment/Duke of Edinburgh International Award. She is also an entrepreneur, poet, dancer, choreographer, fashion designer, motivational speaker, and model.
5. What is Mabasa’s mission?
Mabasa’s mission is to empower and inspire the youth. She advocates the strength and beauty inherent in diversity and aims to foster an inclusive and safe society.
6. What is Mabasa’s vision for the future?
Mabasa aspires to extend the services of Phoenix Alexandra to more underprivileged communities. She believes that every decision young individuals make has significant repercussions, and she advises them to rise above adversity and make a meaningful impact in their community and beyond.
