Model and activist Esihle Mhluzi-Mchunu turned heads when she walked the runway for South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee at this year’s South African Fashion Week. (PHOTO: supplied)

Her life took a dramatic turn when she turned 10 and contracted spinal tuberculosis. After experiencing complications during surgery to treat her condition, Esihle Mhluzi-Mchunu from Qonce in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, suffered mobility issues and needed crutches to get around.

Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d one day grace a catwalk – but that’s exactly what happened when she took to the runway during this year’s South African Fashion Week, wearing garments from hotshot designer Gert-Johan Coetzee’s newest collection.

She shares her story with YOU.

Her life changed when she was diagnosed with spinal TB at the age of 10. (PHOTO: supplied)

“I wasn’t born differently abled but in 2008 I contracted spinal tuberculosis. I had surgery to remove the damaged tissue from my spine but a complication occurred that resulted in the shape of my spine shifting. 

The transition from being an abled-bodied person to being differently abled was challenging.

I use to play hockey and at first I’d go watch hockey games, thinking that by the following week I’d be okay and able to play. My peers at that time didn’t understand what I was going through and I was often…