For Olothando Tabo, every achievement is another reminder that his dreams are bigger than the challenges he faces.
The 16-year-old Parklands Special School pupil from Gonubie, who lives with dyslexia, partial hearing loss and speech impairments, has continued to grow in confidence, independence and determination, and his latest achievement has seen him crowned Mr & Miss Youth Impact EC 2026 King at Victory Life Church.
For Olothando, his latest victory was especially meaningful because he was able to handle the competition with greater independence.
“I was seriously blown away and super relieved because I finally figured it out all by myself,” he said.
His mother, Phendulwa Ngedle, said she was emotional seeing her son succeed, especially because he was competing alongside young people who do not face the same challenges.
“He was prepared this time around, he was able to answer the questions himself,” she said.
Ngedle said the achievement was also a reflection of how much her son had developed since last year.
“He was the one who said he’ll not back down from the competition.
“He said that 2026 will not end without him getting something.
“He’s very confident. He shows that once he falls in love with something, he becomes dedicated.
“He pushes himself as he knows what he’s aiming for,” she said.
Beyond modelling and pageantry, Olothando continues to explore activities that allow him to develop new skills.
He currently holds a green belt in karate and is also studying fashion design and hospitality.
His mother has even bought him a knitting machine so he can develop his skills. For Olothando, his interest in fashion design is closely connected to his ambitions for the future.
“It hit me when I pictured myself as a fashion designer, since that’s what I’m studying in school. I could totally see myself on stage, showing off my awesome creations!”
Through his involvement in different activities, he said he had learnt valuable lessons about independence, communication and standing up for himself against bullies.
Olothando also believes his achievements can help change perceptions around young people with disabilities.
“Even if someone has special needs, others need to see that they are totally capable too,” he said.
Ngedle hopes her son will eventually use his experiences to give back to other children with special needs.
“I hope he works toward his community, plough back to other children with the same special needs,” she said.
She believes confidence can help young people overcome obstacles and urged parents not to allow fear to limit their children.
“Trust and believe in your kids. They need to be exposed to the outside so they can grow freely,” she said, explaining that parents of children with special needs were sometimes afraid to expose them to the outside world because they feared their children may be misunderstood or judged.
She believes children need opportunities to experience the world, develop confidence, and become independent.
“They need to be exposed to the outside so they can grow freely.” she said.
Olothando, meanwhile, encourages other young people to believe in themselves, get involved in positive activities and remain focused on their education.
He urged young people to consider modelling as a way of building confidence, participate in sport, listen to their parents, respect others, attend school and avoid copying negative behaviour.
As he continues his journey, his latest crown is not simply another title. For Olothando and his mother, it is another sign of how far he has come, and a reminder that having special needs does not define the limits of what a young person can achieve.
