Gugu Mjilo, a 2025 TRIBUTES Excellence Awards recipient and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) employee, has completed a three-town launch tour of her autobiography, Akulahlwa Mbeleko Ngakufelwa. The tour, endorsed by COGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi and funded by his department, visited Scottburgh Library, Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg, and Newcastle Public Library. The events were compered by Musa E. Zulu, founder of Valhalla Arts.
Mjilo's book shares her inspiring story of overcoming challenges despite being born with a physical disability. Her grandmother carried her to school daily, and she relied on family and friends for support until she received her first motorised wheelchair in 2012. The title of her book, Akulahlwa Mbeleko Ngakufelwa, comes from an isiZulu proverb that means not giving up hope after a loss. The book highlights her journey and sheds light on daily life for people with disabilities in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Mjilo's academic achievements are impressive, holding a Bachelor of Social Science, an Honours degree in International Relations, and a Master's in Political Science. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Pietermaritzburg campus, researching access to education for children with disabilities. Her first job was as a reformatting assistant in the UKZN Disability Unit, followed by a permanent post as an administration clerk at COGTA.
The COGTA-backed tour demonstrates the department's recognition of one of its own employees and showcases the contributions of staff with disabilities. The TRIBUTES Excellence Awards, which honoured Mjilo in 2025, have recognised over 100 women with disabilities in South Africa. The awards aim to amplify the voices of women with disabilities in public life. Musa E. Zulu stated that Mjilo's story serves as an inspiration to young women with disabilities.
The book tour was made possible through collaborations with various organisations, including Valhalla Arts, UvoLwethu Communications, THISABILITY Newspaper, the Usiba Writers' Guild, Msunduzi Municipality, and the IBHUKU Women Authors Exhibition Festival. These partnerships highlight the importance of inclusive storytelling and the need for diverse voices in literature.
Mjilo's story is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her mother and grandmother played a significant role in her upbringing, raising her as single parents without jobs. This experience taught Mjilo the importance of taking charge of her life and pursuing her goals. Her book offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities in rural areas.
The 2026 TRIBUTES Excellence Awards will take place in Durban from 19 to 22 November, honouring another cohort of women of excellence. Mjilo's achievement serves as a reminder that women with disabilities can make significant contributions to society. Her story, as told in Akulahlwa Mbeleko Ngakufelwa, will inspire and motivate readers to pursue their goals despite obstacles.
Key points
- COGTA's support for Gugu Mjilo's book tour highlights the department's recognition of employees with disabilities.
- Mjilo's autobiography sheds light on daily life for people with disabilities in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
- The TRIBUTES Excellence Awards aim to amplify the voices of women with disabilities in public life.
