ISITHA actress Ontiretse Radipabe is standing up for people living with disabilities.
The performer said she has suffered a lot in her life from being teased to being overlooked because of her height, adding that many people would not even listen to her inputs.
The actress, who's also a motivational speaker, told Daily Sun that it wasn't an easy journey for her at school, but she had to grow a thick skin and show the world that she did not choose to be this way, but God did.
The 19-year-old actress from Thabazimbi in Limpopo said she now wants to help others know that it's okay to be different.
She said she goes around Mzansi doing motivational talks and restoring hope to people living with disabilities.
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"Yes, I was bullied a lot at school. Other kids would make fun of me, especially when I couldn't reach certain things," she said.
Ontiretse said she always had to ask for help from others.
"The biggest thing that hurt the most was the way people looked at me for a long time. I often get this from people everywhere," she said.
She said this happens a lot around the area she now stays - Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.
Ontiretse said people need to love each other and show support, not hate.
"Besides being the nosy Martha on Isitha, I am currently working on a clothing brand. It should be ready in a couple of months," she said.
The actress said the brand really means a lot to her because it will show people with the same body structure as her that when you put your mind on to something, size doesn't matter.
"I am just praying that God brings more exciting roles for me in the near future," she said.
Ontiretse said her mum is her biggest supporter.
"My mum reminds me every day that I'm no different from anyone. I just have a different physique," she said.
She said her mum constantly encourages her to be positive at all times.
"Let's remember that we are all human beings and God loves us equally. I'm no different from you. Don't try to put others down by using their disability," Ontiretse said.
