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Esihle Mhluzi: From Adversity to Advocacy
Esihle Mhluzi is a South African disability advocate, model, law student, and community leader from King William's Town, Eastern Cape. At age 10, Esihle acquired a physical impairment that left her dependent on crutches — but rather than accepting limitations, she turned adversity into purpose.
As a law student at the University of the Free State, Esihle became the first physically impaired model to walk major Free State runways, earned 2nd Princess at Miss Free State SA 2021, and walked South African Fashion Week for renowned designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. She served as Chairperson of the Universal Access Council at UFS and has championed disability inclusion across multiple platforms.
Esihle served as Program Director at the United Nations Youth Imbizo — Summit of the Future, working alongside the NYDA to activate youth and safeguard future generations. She has also represented as a delegate at the 2025 South African Disability-20 Conference, elevating the voices of persons with disabilities within the G20.
"I was determined to be more than just 'the girl on crutches'; I wanted my brilliance to speak for itself."
Uplifters