South African burn survivor Itumeleng Sekhu-Pedi and her husband celebrated their third wedding anniversary on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
She shared photos of their special day on Instagram, writing: “Three years of love, laughter, and adventure together. Today marks a significant milestone in our journey as husband and wife.
“I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve shared, every challenge we’ve overcome, and every memory we’ve made. You are my comedian, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. Here’s to many more years of growing, exploring, and loving each other.”
At just 11 months old, Itumeleng suffered severe burns when a candle fell onto her while she was in bed in Hammanskraal. The flames ignited her fleece and burned through her dress, causing significant injuries. Her mother and uncles, alerted by the smell of smoke, rushed to her aid, but Itumeleng had already endured severe burns.
“When my mum picked me up, my right hand stayed on the bed. One of my ears was charred, and I lost four fingers on my left hand,” she recounted in an interview.
Itumeleng has undergone 104 corrective surgeries, with the most recent at age 15. While the physical and emotional scars remain, the now 35-year-old has found peace after years of struggling with self-esteem and mental health issues.
“I was nine when a classmate told me I looked like burnt meat. Until then, I saw myself as the smart kid and felt confident,” she recalls. “I always knew the fire had left scars, but I didn’t realize the extent until I heard those words.”
This harsh comment triggered a decade-long depression, but Itumeleng later found solace and inspiration in motivational texts. She discovered that everyone has scars, whether visible or hidden, and realized her own scars were part of her purpose.
“I came to understand that my experiences with wounds and scars were meant to help me bring hope and healing to others,” she tells TRT Afrika.
