I'm Happy Just As I Am
Drum English|10 October 2019
The terrible burns she suffered as a baby may have left her scarred on the outside, but Itumeleng has risen above her challenges to become a motivational speaker, businesswoman, and author
Khosi Biyela
I'm Happy Just As I Am

SHE’S used to people staring at her wherever she goes. The scars that cover her face, arms and torso have always made her feel like an outcast. Many people with such life-changing injuries would hide away from the prying world – but not this feisty, determined woman.

Itumeleng Sekhu was just a baby when she was badly burnt. She lost an ear, fingers and her right arm after a candle fell over and set their house on fire.

But while fire may have ravaged parts of her body, she’s embracing it and turning it into one of the many enterprises that occupy her life.

She’s started a candle-making business. “I had a phobia of candles and I wanted to face that fear and get over it,” Itumeleng tells DRUM.

She’s employed a relative to help her make the candles. “We custom-make them when ordered.”

The 31-year-old is also expanding her business by starting her own bra line, and a wine brand. “There’s a song by Hillsong Worship called New Wine. No matter what you go through in life, you’ll be a brand-new wine,” she says. She’s still in the process of naming her wine business, but it has a spiritual meaning for her. After a traumatic childhood that saw her in and out of hospital for treatment for her third-degree burns, she wants to celebrate life. “This is the time for me to be something brand new. I believe everyone was born for such a time, to take a deep breath.”

She’s living her life to the fullest – but it hasn’t been easy for her to get to this point.

Itumeleng has had 104 surgeries since the fire and has tried to commit suicide three times. “I had low self-esteem. I thought I’d never find a boyfriend as a young girl,” she says.

“I didn’t think I’d ever have a normal life.”

This story is from the 10 October 2019 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 10 October 2019 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView All
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020