Chabeli Mohatlane’s story of inspiration
Restoring the dignity and independence of his patients
MPHO RAMOLULA
A passionate orthoptist and sportsman, Chabeli Mohatlane, a resident of Moshoeshoe II in Maseru, dedicates most of his time to manufacturing and fitting artificial human limbs to patients at his private clinic CTM Orthopaedic Lesotho. He is also the president of the Lesotho Table Tennis Association (LTTA), a sport he has played enthusiastically from a very early age to his school days at ‘Mabathoana High School.
Mohatlane’s work at CTM Orthopaedic Lesotho demonstrates a dedication to improving lives through advanced prosthetic technology, extending beyond the purely medical to encompass the social and practical needs of his patients.
This expertise is complemented by a parallel career in sports administration, most notably as the president of the LTTA – a position he has held for several years now. This leadership role showcases a commitment to community development and empowering individuals, a testament to his multifaceted approach towards improving lives.
Mohatlane talks about his educational background with pride, a remarkable tapestry of his achievements.
His qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics obtained in 2008 from the South African Tshwane University of Technology and a 2001 Diploma in Orthoptist and Prosthetics from the same institution.
He also holds a 2001 Diploma in Sports and Science from the University of Semmelweis in Budapest, Hungary, a Diploma in Technology from University of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania in 1995 – having sat for the Orthotics and Prosthetics trial examination at the same university where he was awarded a certificate of excellence in the same year.
This combination of medical expertise and sports science knowledge has set the stage for his unique approach to both his professional roles.
A deeper probe into the root of his passion for orthotics reveals that Mohatlane’s interest in this medical field was sparked his father. “My father,” was his soft and heartfelt response to the question on who ignited his initial interest in this field.
“My father was always helping those less fortunate, particularly those with disabilities. He was a man of profound compassion, and I was deeply inspired by his dedication to those who needed assistance,” he recalls.
That early exposure fostered a profound sense of responsibility and instilled in me a desire to contribute to other people’s wellbeing, he said.
Mohatlane’s career has been marked by both successes and significant challenges. He candidly spoke of his resignation from the Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital in 2013 due to workplace challenges and abuse.
“The experience was difficult, but it only strengthened my resolve,” he stated, reflecting on the incident. However, his dedication to work for the less privileged in the country never dithered. He proceeded to work for the Ministry of Social Welfare, gaining invaluable experience in community engagements and understanding the social determinants of health.
At CTM Orthopedic Lesotho, Mohatlane performs a wide range of crucial functions, from assessing and diagnosing orthopedic disorders to designing and fitting orthotic devices.
He explained the intricate process, emphasizing the personal connection he builds with each patients, saying “It’s more than just fitting a limb, It’s about restoring the dignity and independence of a person.”
He highlights the need for resources to manufacture artificial limbs as one of the major challenges faced by CTM Orthopedic Lesotho, a critical obstacle to realising the clinic’s mandate. He said artificial limbs are incredibly expensive, indicating that to address this challenge there is need to secure a sponsor to significantly enhance its ability to serve the community.
His experience at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, while difficult, fuelled his commitment to provide high quality healthcare.
His work at the Ministry of Social Welfare informed his understanding of community needs and strengthened his dedication to broader social welfare commitment.
Mohatlane’s involvement in sports is equally significant.
He is an executive board member of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, the Vice-chairperson of the African Table Tennis Federation and the president of the LTTA. He also holds positions within the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) and the Southern African Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, showcasing his breadth of influence.
He has just been elected treasurer of the LNOC, beating ‘Mampho Leshoele in the hotly contested campaign to the position.
“It’s about more than just winning medals,” Mohatlane insisted when discussing his involvement in table tennis. “It’s about mentorship, community building and empowering young people.”
Mohatlane emphasized the importance of holistic athlete development, providing both physical and mental support to athletes under his care. This is reflected in his additional role as a member of the Lesotho Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Council, which ensures ethical and professional standards within the healthcare sector.
“The challenges I have faced have only solidified my commitment to serve my country. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Mohatlane stated emphatically.
A shift in conversation to Mohatlane’s parallel career in table tennis reveals: “At the age of seven, my father bought me a table tennis ball. Every lunch time, he would join me and the neighborhood children for a game in the backyard. It was a simple, playful, but it ignited a lifelong passion.
Those games weren’t just about the sport, they were about community, about shared laughter and friendly competition. It taught me the importance of teamwork and companionship, values that now underpin my approach to leadership within the Lesotho Table Tennis Association.”
The simple act of the father sharing a lunchtime game with his son had unexpectedly laid the foundation for decades-long dedication to the sport and to the community it brings together.
Addressing the challenges facing table tennis in the country, Mohatlane advocates for a holistic approach saying “It’s not just about the players.”
“We need to foster love for the sport throughout the community. Parents and leaders need to understand and appreciate the value of table tennis, both for the individual and for the country,” he stressed, adding the importance of this broader engagement for long term growth.
Regarding his goals for Lesotho’s table tennis future, Mohatlane explained that he is traveling abroad to seek resources and strategies to benefit players. This proactive approach has already yielded results, as Stag Global, an Indian company, has provided a sustainable donation and designed new playing attire for the Lesotho team.
When asked about a crucial aspect of his life, the delicate balancing act between his demanding roles he rhetorically asked “how do you balance your responsibilities as the president of the Lesotho Table Tennis Association with your demanding career as an orthoptist or prosthetics?”
But eventually chucked a warm reassuring “it’s a juggling act, certainly, but both roles in their own unique ways are about empowerment.”
He paused, reflecting further on the question: “I am empowering young people through sports, fostering discipline and teamwork. Both require dedication, precision and a deep understanding of human potential.”
He explained that the time management skills required to excel in one translate surprisingly well to the other.
“Early mornings and late nights are the norm for both. Prioritization and delegation are essential,” he stated.
“My team at the table tennis association and my colleagues at CTM Orthopedic Lesotho are crucial partners in these efforts. They understand the demands of their roles and I am incredibly fortune to have their support.”
He highlighted the shared value in both roles. “The discipline required to create a perfect prosthetic limb, meticulously measured and shaped, mirrors the discipline needed to train a table tennis player.
In both, the sense of satisfaction is profound, seeing the tangible improvements in people’s lives, whether its physical mobility or the mental growth of an athlete.”
Beyond his professionals and community commitments, Mohatlane is also a father. His 24-year old son initially shared his father’s passion for orthotics and prosthetics, but faced setbacks when he was denied sponsorship by the National Manpower Development Secretariat.
The disappointment, he reflects, ultimately steered his son towards engineering, a field that he is glad still allows for a close connection with his father’s work.
Asked about the advice he would give to young people considering careers in healthcare or sports administration Mohatlane says young people ought to be “be persistent and dedicated. These fields require hard work, resilience and genuine passion for what you do. There will be challenges, setbacks and moments of doubt, but if you really believe in your path, keep striving towards your goals. Don’t be afraid to seek mentorship and guidance from those who have already achieved success in these areas.
Remember that both healthcare and sports administration are about the impact you want to make. In healthcare, it’s about improving people’s health and wellbeing, in sports administration, it’s about fostering love of sports and creating opportunities for young people.”
By focusing on the positive impact they have, Mohatlane continues, the youth will find the motivation to overcome challenges and make a difference in the lives of others. He said this will ultimately pay off.
“For me, it is all about Lesotho. It’s about giving back, about leaving a positive legacy and about showing young people what is possible if they are dedicated and willing to work hard, I am an opportunist.,” Mohatlane pointed out, his voice filled with both pride and hope.
This sportsman and health practitioner embodies the spirit of a tru patriot, demonstrating a remarkable balance between professional excellence, community engagement and a profound love for his country.
His unwavering commitment to both medical care and sports administration is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience and transformative impact a single individual can have.
His story is a source of inspiration, highlighting the potential for impactful leadership and meaningful contributions when expertise and passion collide. He is not merely a prosthetics and a sports administrator, he is a builder of lives, a testament to the extraordinary human spirit.
