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Muchaneta Chimuka Lifestyle Correspondent

“It doesn’t matter what size you are. It doesn’t matter if you have cellulite. It doesn’t matter if things jiggle where they’re not supposed to. That’s still beautiful.” — Ashley Graham.

This is one of the prominent quotable quotes on Sinikiwe Kademaunga’s Facebook page as she uplifts the spirits of those who lose hope in life just because of the negative societal perceptions, especially if they are persons with disabilities.

Born without fully developed limbs, Sinikiwe is a character warm as they are minted.

She is not among those who give up easily and she has written a script of resilience all over her life.

Another post on her Facebook page is more intriguing:

“I wonder why you all think when a person has a disability they have to settle for anything? Wena we love the nice stuff too, money, six pack and all? The sons of King Solomon would date you for experiments and to prove if certain myths are true?, cheat on you and not feel bad about it, . . . last year I remember how Greatman’s woman was criticised for dating him. I have also noted with so much concern how you all rush into sympathising with a pregnant woman with a disability.

#StrengthBeyondAllOdds

#love&Disability”

So, what’s up with Sinikiwe?

She is now newly wedded and has conquered all the doubts that many people had, proving that disability will not undermine one’s aspirations and inspirations in life.

Sinikiwe is now known as Mrs Sinikiwe Zhiva nee Kademaunga after she tied the knot with her sweetheart Reuben Zhiva, who hails from Gokwe, at the Talent Village in Mabvuku last Sunday.

Focused, brainy and determined to scale dizzy heights, Sinikiwe is stopping at nothing to achieve her goals.

So far, she has achieved what only women of substance can achieve.

The ever-smiling Rusape born girl has always remained at her usual best.

There were interesting things at Sinikiwe and Rueben’s wedding. For instance, where was Rueben going to put the wedding ring on Sinikiwe since she does not have fully developed limbs?

This is one question that those who attended the wedding waited anxiously to be answered.

The anxiety heightened after Sinikiwe was the first to put the wedding ring on Reuben’s finger.

While everyone waited for the ring to be brought out, many soon realised that what was before them in form of a necklace was actually the ring they were waiting for.

Being innovative as she is, Sinikiwe had ensured that the ring was designed in form of a necklace for Reuben to place it firmly on her neck.

Just like the ring, the nuptials aroused much interest from the guests.

Reuben had this to say: “Sinikiwe, Sinikiwe, I want you to forgive me for my wrong doing. I remember several times when I was proposing love to you, I came to you pretending as if I am deaf and dumb and I would speak using sign language.

“It was not my will, but you were proving hard to me and I had to try this tactic to get acceptance. Ever since I started dating when I was around 18 years of age, I tried to date a girl with dwarfism and all was in vain.

“I was always fond of girls with this condition, hence my God in heaven managed to answer my prayer and he actually knew that one day you will be my soul mate. Today, God has fulfilled my desires and I will not take any advantage of you. I will always love you till death separates us.”

Silence perverted the air as guests pondered on Reuben’s vows that exhibited genuine love for Sinikiwe.

After Reuben’s touching words, everyone was now waiting to hear Sinikiwe’s nuptials.

“Reuben, Reuben,” she started. “I want to thank you for showing me what I term as genuine love. I remember you dated me in 2017 and for the past four years I was doing my own research to find out whether you really loved me or you wanted to take me for a ride.

“I learnt that you have that true love for me and you managed to fulfil all the promises that you made, including this wedding that we are having today. It is through the power of the Almighty God and I pray that we stick to our marriage vows until death robs us.”

Tears started flowing from Sinikiwe’s cheeks, and the emotions caught up with many of the guests who also started shedding a tear.

The guests then showered the newly weds with numerous gifts that included household goods like fridges and stoves and cash.

Sinikiwe and Reuben also took to the dance floor and displayed their dance skills, leaving everyone in sheer amazement.

Reuben always kept an eye contact with her beautiful Sinikiwe whom he frequently showered with hugs and kisses.

He would occasionally whisper into her ears and lift her up in joy.

People reacted to the wedding in various ways.

Local artiste, Chipochashe Muchegwa, who is also living with disabilities, said her friend Sinikiwe’s wedding had defied all odds.

“Many people when they see us (people with disabilities) they think we are different from them, yet these are myths and misconceptions,” she said. “I don’t have hands, but I have legs which I use to do all household chores. I am married and have a child.

“We have a right to conjugal rights, desires and wishes like anyone else, hence we ought not to be discriminated against. I know people have several questions at this wedding just because they do not understand that disability is not inability.”

Chipochashe is a talented artist who plays her guitar using her legs. She was born without arms and she uses her wheelchair for mobility.

Winnet Munyaka, who has a dwarfism condition, said stigma and discrimination was rife among people with disabilities and they are often associated with witchcraft, regarded as cursed, beggars and objects that cannot qualify to get married or to marry.

“Like this marriage of my friend Sinikiwe, some people right now are busy making side-talks saying: ‘What’s wrong with this man, what has he lacked, yet love is blind and it is the heart that chooses what it desires.’

“Biblically, God created all the people using his own image and there is nothing that can differentiate us. Due to stigma and lack of knowledge on disability issues some of our colleagues end up failing to get partners while other marriages fall apart due to family pressures and influence.”

Pastor Zoro Magombedze criticised all forms of stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities.

“My special word to you parents out there, I urge you not to interfere with your children’s chosen partners, especially if one of them has disabilities,” he said. “Sinikiwe has a form of disability, but if given the requisite resources she ends up being like an able bodied.

“She can cook, do laundry, feed herself and her husband and has acquired degrees in foreign lands and came out with distinctions because she got all the support she needed. Now, she is a public speaker and confidence coach. So, let’s not hide our child because of shame, but we have to accept reality and take positive steps to empower them.”

Sinikiwe said she never imagined herself being celebrated.

“I felt motivated because I could not believe this is where I am,” she said. “When I started sharing my story and motivating others on social media, it was for my own pleasure.”

Sinikiwe’s story has been a tale whose script can be attributed to the finest of angels.

Her mother and father sadly passed away in 2001 and 2005, respectively, and from then on, her grandmother took care of her.

“My grandmother is the reason why I dared to dream,” said Sinikiwe. “She believed in me before I could believe in myself. Although I wish I had gotten to know my parents better, I believe growing up in my grandmother`s care is a blessing.”

An intelligent mind, one needs to be on their best mental footing when conversing with Sinikiwe.

Despite her global acclaim, having been covered by the international media, gracing international platforms and having a busy schedule, Sinikiwe remains with a good heart and still finds time to help those in need.

According to her, “no one should suffer from lack of confidence while she is there.”

Her blog, in which she chronicles her journey living with disability and how she navigates a demanding public life, is considered an inspiration by many.