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Health For Mzansi

Wheelchair-bound Peters exudes body positivity

For this car accident survivor, beauty is all about being authentic and distinctive. Nobathembu Peters hopes that society can one day acknowledge people for what's on the inside because once you've met her, her wheelchair fades into obscurity

by Vateka Halile
17th April 2023
in Conversations
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Wheelchair-bound Peters exudes body positivity

Nobathembu Peters was only three years old when she was hit by a car in 1996, confining her to a wheelchair. However, she lives her life to the fullest and encourages others to do the same. Photo: Supplied/health For Mzansi

In the contemporary generation, beauty is largely assessed by being slender, having a lovely smile, having an hourglass figure, and how one walks. However, this is not the reality because we all have our strengths and flaws, cellulite, more or less weight, impairments that may or may not exist, actual wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. Nobathembu Peters (30) from Khayelitsha in Cape Town, shares her inspiring story of how she learned to live positively and thrive despite spending most of her life in a wheelchair.


Peters was only three years old when she was hit by a vehicle in 1996, rendering her wheelchair confined ever since.

Peters, also known as Royalti on Wheels, lives by the phrase “take life as it should be”. She is a former digital sex worker who is now a public speaker, a social media influencer for road safety, a disability lifestyle influencer, and a disability advocate.

Wheelchair-bound Peters exudes body positivity
Nobathembu Peters’ mission is to show others how to have a fulfilling everyday life despite having a disability. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi.

According to her, she has learnt to make the most of the life she has and to be able to accomplish everything her body can allow her to do.

“Yet, there are things I would like to do if I could walk. I don’t have the life I am hoping for; instead, I have this one.”

Blessed beyond measure

Peters adds that being confined to a wheelchair requires a lot of consideration and attention to detail.

“Having a family like mine is a blessing. Others don’t. Being in a wheelchair necessitates some assistance from others.”

Wheelchair-bound Peters exudes body positivity
Nobathembu Peters lives her life to the fullest. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

She tells Health For Mzansi that due to her ability to engage in conversations on various platforms, some people think she is overly optimistic for a disabled person.

She thinks it’s unpleasant to say that. Yet, people ought to have the ability to express themselves without trying to label everyone with a disability as “sensitive”.

“I’m all about showcasing to people how to live a fulfilling, everyday life despite having a disability.”

‘I try to convey confidence’

Peters believes being confident cannot be taught. Even if it is possible, only one person can be, and that person is you.

She makes an attempt to live each day to the fullest; going out to dine, attending workshops, and visiting the park.

“I’ve had the experience of people interpreting my comments based on how I look. I try not to personalise anything and it can sometimes be difficult to resist the urge to defend yourself in such circumstances.”

Breaking down the stigma around having a disability

Disability exclusion is a result of the idea that having a disability renders you ‘less than…’, says Peters.

“I had both favourable and negative replies when I was a digital sex worker. Some people misunderstood the significance of the inclusion and freedom of expression that I was striving to emphasise.”

According to her, the majority of people with disabilities within her circle were excited to see her out and about.

“Some would slut shame me, and I suppose their comments are no different from those made by others in society who would believe getting married and having children is just for abled/normal people.”

Nobathembu Peters

Beauty on wheels

With her jovial smile, love for fashion, and knack for looking good, Peters is undoubtedly a diva who gets out there to shine.

Wheelchair-bound Peters exudes body positivity
Nobathembu Peters has learnt to make the most of the life she has. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

“Some people don’t want to see you confident, but mostly because they lack it themselves,” says Peters.

She views beauty as the capacity to be authentic about oneself as well as being conventionally beautiful.

“Beauty comes from kindness, self-assurance, openness, vulnerability, fear, and trauma. While beauty comes in various shapes and sizes, for me, beauty is about being authentic and distinctive.”

ALSO READ: Being a midwife is a calling for NPO founder

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Tags: disability
Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers