Lezelda Lubbe
“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.� Pamela Vaull Starr
Lezelda Lubbe was born on 29 October 1970 in Vanderbilpark. She was born with the defect Phocomelia . She had no arms and had been born with underdeveloped legs. Doctors could not determine the cause of it. Lezelda grew up in a love and caring home. She was immediately accepted and loved unconditionally by her parents and family. Lezelda is the second child and daughter of three children. Both her sisters are perfectly normal and without any defect. The whole family is close to each other. Doctors predicted Lezelda would not be able to make use of her eyesight or to hear and speak but the fighter spirit inside Lezelda proved them wrong and today she is an empower woman that can help herself in many ways. Lezelda`s mother had a firm believe that Lezelda as a Baby Lezelda must be able to do things for herself and from a very young age she tough her to be independent. Despite a tragedy that occur at the age of one-and-a-half years in which her father died, it didn’t prevent Lezelda to make a success of her life. From an early age Lezelda's mother taught her to pick up matches with her toes. She mastered it and her mother's next step was to put pins on the floor and taught Lezelda to pick it up with her toes without hurting herself. The determined young lady managed it. Her mother raised Lezelda like a normal child. Lezelda had to learn to dress herself and use the potty. In her growing up years her parents treated Lezelda as a normal child and she was always part of the family. They always took her to the Mall and family gatherings. Lezelda was never hidden or apologized for regarding her appearance At the age of three years, very positive changes took place in Lezelda's life. Her mother remarried and the new father accepted Lezelda unconditionally and never referred to her as a stepchild but encouraged Leselda as a Totler her to live life to the fullest. Lezelda started attending Hope School from where she matriculates. Hope School is located in Johannesburg and it is a school for physical disabilities pupils. Lezelda stayed in the residence of the school and enjoyed it. In 1988 she wrote the Matric exam. Lezelda enjoyed her schooling and excel in it, and the school had become her second home. Her friends were her siblings. The children were cared for by nurses 2
and susters in the residence and there was also a matron in charge. During weekends Lezelda will go home with her friends. The dormitory housed 200 children. Children were in wheelchairs, some had Polio and attended the school after their recovery. The school employed speech and physiotherapists who worked with the children. The children were all between the ages of 3 and 6 years and learned do dress themselves , how to use the bathroom, reading, writing, building blocks and eat self. The school had a warm water swimming pool where the children learned to swim and develop their muscles.
Lezelda first day at school
Lezelda excelled in school. She learned typing, was part of the gala swimming team, a cheerleader for the track team, she played chess and checkers, was involved in the carpet bowling tournaments of the school and sing in the choir. Lezelda showed she had the ability to lead and was chosen in standard nine as prefect and in matric Lezelda was named as head girl. Lezelda also participated with 100% enthusiasm in the social life of the school. The school arranged once every quarter a Disco dance in the hall and on Lezelda part of the Gala Team this occasion the Disco King & Queen were chosen. At such an event Lezelda was named 'Disco Queen'. The Matric Farewell was also an experience that will stay with her .The colour of the Matric Farewell dress was white and her companion was a blind person she met at the age of six at the holiday resort Buffelspoort. They kept in touch over the years. Lezelda received prizes at the school for academic performance. Lezelda enjoyed her school career and it made her independent and prepared her for life. Miss Elize Robertse, Lezelda Typing teacher played a big role in her life she told Lezelda to believe in herself and always stay positive in her thinking. The school recommended that Lezelda studied Journalism or Psychology but transport and accommodation was practically not possible.
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Lezelda typing as a Pro
Golden moments in Lezelda `s life
Lezelda eating by herself
Lezelda enjoying a day at the sea
Lezelda exhibition at Langeberg Mall
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Filp Swanepoel of the Mouth & Foot Painters was a friend of the family. He recommended that Lezelda took painting classes and send samples of her work to the head office of the Mouth & Foot Painters Association which was located in Lichtenstein an applied for membership. Lezelda did it and her membership was accepted. In the process to create a life for herself and find a way to generate an income Lezelda discovered she had a natural talent to Received academic prices paint. During Lezelda’s school career she never showed any signs that she had a phenomenal artist talent. This was an indication of the way forward how this very talented woman will use obstacles in other's peoples eyes but in her case building blocks that will helped her to achieve her biggest heart desire.
Painting became Lezelda's full-time job and the last few years she held a few single man exhibitions. Lezelda met her life partner, and is currently living in Albertinia, a beautiful small town in the middle of the Garden Route. Lezelda has no children and see her dogs as her children.
Lezelda painting with her mouth
Lezelda is assisted by Shahida whom help her with many practical things and to manage her household. Lezelda's biggest dream, to own a vehicle has now become a possibility. For years it was just a dream because there was no practical way that Lezelda will ever be able to drive a car, but it's changed. During the �Hartlam� Festival in Hartenbos Lezelda had a Stall with her painting on display. Lezelda with her mother Next to her was the Stall of a person who showcased the photos of an electric car that enable a person such as Lezelda to manage itself
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Examples of Lezelda`s Paintings
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This car is imported from Singapore and it is specially designed for the disabled. The steering wheel will be replaced with a "joy stick" and everything works with buttons. The car reach a top speed of 60 km per hour and a distance of 150 km before the battery needs to be replaced. The total price of the car is R 141934-00 . Lezelda does not have the necessary capital funds to buy the car, but she do not see it as an obstacle to stop her. This vehicle will enable her to be more independent and there is room for a passenger. Shahida her helper can ride with her and assist Lezelda with help. Lezelda do not have the necThe Edith motor Lezelda want to buy essary funds at this time but this event is a building block that now enables her to launch an action plan in two parts :firstly to get funds together to buy the car and secondly to show people and encouraging them you can make your dream come true if you just believe.
Lezelda is exceptional and phenomenal woman through positive thinking, faith in herself and God and hard work has proved that it is possible to achieve your greatest dream and ideal
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To get involved with the Lezelda`s Car Project contact Lezelda personally by
Cel: 078 360 1409 Email: zelly1@gmail.com Website: http://www.facebook.com/lezeldascarproject Youtube video: http://youtu.be/83hrF5AbWIK
Banking details Bank: ABSA Account holder: Lezelda`s Car Project Account number: 9285073148 Branch Code:8697
YOUR DREAM OF TODAY CAN BECOME YOUR REALITY TOMORROW. IT STARTS WITH THE FIRST STEP.
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Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill
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