Marlene Le Roux wearing Pamplin-Grove Couture at Khayelitsha Fashion Week. Makeup by David Charles Pamplin-Grove
My personal story as an empowered disabled woman reached a significant milestone last weekend when I walked the runway at the 8th Khayelitsha Fashion Week held at Artscape, one of the leading fashion events in Cape Town for aspiring local designers and models.
Persons with disabilities often have unique experiences shaped not only by their social environment but also by the nature of their impairment, which can present them with significant challenges when everything feels overwhelming. Yet one may find ways to thrive despite one’s impairment through individual coping mechanisms and available support systems.
For over 57 years, my post-‘pole-io’ (polio) dance entailed trauma, constant excruciating pain, exhaustion, depression, rejection, humiliation, despair, discrimination, and struggle. Walking the runway last week was a personal achievement of resilience, courage, faith, and hope in action.
PREPARING FOR THE OPERATION
A year ago, I underwent a marathon operation—my 12th!—to manage my post-polio syndrome. My ’healthy’ right hip, which I called my ‘trophy’ leg, had gradually deteriorated over 50 years of being overworked and overused because this post-polio sufferer was forced to drag along a 2 kg calliper on the polio leg (my left leg) just to be able to walk and stay mobile. A gruelling full hip replacement awaited me, gripping me with the fear of possibly losing my ability to walk independently. Would my legs be brittle afterwards? Would I have to use a wheelchair for mobility?
Preparing for this operation, I decided to consult a psychologist to help me process the unknown and possible outcomes. Looking back, I can confidently say that consulting a psychologist was the best decision I could have made; without thorough psychological therapy beforehand, I would not have been able to proceed with the hip replacement operation.
OASIS REHABILITATION CENTRE
Recovery from the painful operation required almost a year of excruciating physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which involved sessions lasting an hour three times a week and sometimes in the morning before work, all aimed at getting my muscles working again. At one point, even the thought of lifting my leg or walking seemed daunting. Still, thanks to the fantastic work of physiotherapist Lizaan Tucker, who helped me regain my confidence, I gained the ability to walk with crutches, a personal milestone I cherish.
And then, another personal milestone I could not turn down landed on my desk: an invitation from the founder of Khayelitsha Fashion Week, Bongani Matenjwa, to walk the runway as one of the chosen models on the ramp!
Reflecting on my journey, I decided to walk for all women with disabilities who confront pain every day yet boldly face the world and smile, as well as for all human beings who struggle to get access to opportunities and resources, for should they have access and the necessary support, the sky would be the limit for them.
Above all, the Khayelitsha Fashion Week gave me the confidence to walk the runway without the assistance of crutches! The beautiful designs of the highly talented local creatives draped the runway! What a personal milestone! Participating in this empowering event proves once again that individuals with disabilities can reach new heights with the necessary support and opportunities.
What makes the Khayelitsha Fashion Week stand out to me is that the models and aspiring designers primarily come from the Cape Flats to showcase their skills and talents. Designers from Delft, Philippi, Langa, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Parklands, and Manenberg showcased their work, and 45 models exuded confidence. This show included a disabled model supported by a calliper and a prosthetic right hip.
For many persons with disabilities, however, these milestones are still far out of reach. The daily struggle continues for them. My mission is to share my story of resilience, hope, and access to resources and opportunities, continuing to champion the rights of those who are still struggling to reach their full potential and those on the margins of society who feel hopeless and unsupported.
With the necessary resources at my disposal—crucial pre-operative psychological therapy to prepare myself for the unknown, a good job with supportive staff, a decent salary, a caring husband, support from family and friends, and post-operative therapies and rehabilitation—I am once again able to function at the highest level as a dignified disabled professional human being, promoting humanity, dignity, inclusivity, empowerment, creativity, accessibility, freedom of choice, and speech and art for all. I am excited to showcase my skills as a real fashion model on the runway at the 8th Khayelitsha Fashion Week.
Everything is possible with sufficient support, access, and opportunities!
