Motivational speaker and comedian Andrew Ihinda narrated interesting and hilarious stories at a comedy show dubbed ‘Abilities and disabilities’, with the wheelchair-using artist showing that disabilities do not mean inabilities.

 The two-hour show took place last week at a lounge in the capital to an almost capacity audience, some also using wheelchairs for mobility. Ihinda enlightened those present at the show to be comfortable in their skin, to accept the situation they are in, and to continue living their lives with confidence.

 “Make peace with your condition [living with a disability], and build your confidence. You will progress in life, as no situation is permanent,” he advised.

 The show was a rib cracker, as Ihinda had many stories based on his life experiences, mainly amplified by the use of the Afrikaans language. However, the switch between languages created moments that the audience either did not understand, or did not find funny.

 Ihinda lives with Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, which is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus that moves from the gut to affect the central nervous system, and there is muscle weakness resulting in flaccid paralysis. 

This can occur over a few hours to a few days. The weakness most often involves the legs, but may less commonly involve the muscles of the head, neck and diaphragm.

 He explained how he grew up, with questions as to why he is in a wheelchair, and told the audience how it nearly drove him to wanting to commit suicide at the age of 12. But, he decided to not give up on life.

 “I am going to live to show that what almost happened to me will not bring me down, so I studied hard.”

 The office administrator at a local hospital said education became his strength and pillar, especially when he faced hardships of navigating his wheelchair in the streets of the Okahandja Park informal settlement.  Among the attendees was Sebastian Joseph, who found Ihinda’s approach to life uplifting. 

“The show was enjoyable, fun to watch and inspiring, especially to us who are wheelchair-bound,” shared Joseph.

 Ihinda hinted that he is planning on hosting another show at a time to be announced in due course, where he will focus on sharing more information on living life to the fullest, and interacting more with the audience to answer some questions.

- bernard.nyambe@gmail.com