A 31-YEAR-OLD man from Mninginisi Block 3 Village 1 in Giyani, Limpopo is refusing to let a rare medical condition stop him from chasing his dreams.
Admire Mninginisi said his condition started in 2011 with mild swelling around his joints, but over the years it gradually became worse.
In 2021, after sharing his story on social media, he finally received help at Polokwane Provincial Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a rare chronic condition called Pachydermoperiostosis.
Admire said getting answers changed his life, even though doctors told him there is currently no cure.
"The doctors said it's a chronic condition and there's no treatment to remove it. They can only help keep it stable," he said.
Despite the challenges, Admire refuses to let the illness define him.
He said he can still cook, wash and take care of himself, although some daily tasks are difficult.
One of his biggest struggles has been finding love and acceptance.
"People usually struggle to accept me at first because of how I look. Some stare a lot, but over the years, I got used to it and it no longer bothers me," he said.
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Admire said things became easier after people in the community got to know him better through his work and community involvement.
He runs a small business called Netgaza Media & Design, where he helps people with printing, CV typing, invitation cards and other design work.
He's employed as an EPWP worker at the Giyani Local Municipality on a one-year contract, which ends in June.
His family also runs a tombstone and granite company called Phangasasa Tombstone Kings.
Admire said that although he experienced difficulties socialising in the past, he never allowed bullying and discrimination to destroy his spirit.
"Over the years, I became stronger mentally. Sometimes I still go through emotional setbacks, but I always find my way back."
He believes people should stop judging others based on physical appearance.
"My condition may look bad to people, but I still live a normal life. Physical appearance does not define a person, their abilities or their mind."
Admire said his biggest dream is to become financially stable, improve his health and appearance, and one day have a family of his own.
"I want to have kids and become a responsible father one day," he said.
