My name is Reitumetse Layla Mametja, and I’m a 22 year-old first-year Law student at the University of South Africa with big dreams of making a difference in the world. While I’m passionate about my studies, I also carry another love close to my heart: modeling. As a disabled model living with muscular dystrophy, I proudly embrace my uniqueness and use my journey to show that beauty and strength come in many forms.
Muscular dystrophy is a part of my life, and it’s also a journey I share with my mom and brother, who live with it too. Together, we inspire each other every day , reminding ourselves that challenges don’t define us, but rather strengthen our will to keep moving forward.
In 2024, I was honored to receive the title of Miss Personality (Miss Congeniality) an award that means so much to me because it reflects my values of kindness, authenticity, and connection. For me, modeling isn’t just about appearances; it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring confidence, and representing those who are often overlooked.
When I’m not studying or modeling, you’ll usually find me writing poetry. Writing is where I pour my thoughts and emotions, turning them into words that can heal, inspire, and connect with others. Poetry is my safe space, and it allows me to express my truth in a raw and beautiful way.
Balancing law, modeling, and poetry while living with muscular dystrophy isn’t always easy, but I see it as part of what makes me who I am: determined, creative, compassionate, and resilient. My dream is to use my passions — law, art, and storytelling ,to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, no matter what obstacles they face.
I live with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a form of muscular dystrophy that affects the muscles in my arms and legs. Because of CMT, I use a wheelchair every day ,it’s part of how I move through the world. For me, CMT isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s something I carry in my body, in the way I navigate spaces, and in the small adjustments I make daily.
Living with CMT comes with challenges that many people don’t see. Things as simple as transferring into a car, getting around places that aren’t wheelchair-friendly, or keeping up with long days can take extra effort. Sometimes, fatigue sets in faster than I want it to, and there are moments where I have to remind myself to be patient with my body. Modeling, for example, takes a lot of preparation , but instead of letting my wheelchair hold me back, I embrace it as part of my identity, part of my story.