Cape Town – Fitness influencer and media personality Sbahle Mpisane has addressed social media backlash over her continued use of an orthopaedic walking boot often called a “moon boot” which she has worn since surviving a near-fatal car crash in 2018.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram earlier this week, Mpisane confronted negative comments from critics who accused her of wearing the boot as a fashion choice rather than for medical reasons.
“It’s truly saddening that people always seem to have something negative to say,” she wrote, responding directly to screenshots of hurtful posts circulating online. “Am I supposed to be ungrateful for surviving, considering that only death could have freed me from trauma, negativity, and my permanent injury?”
Mpisane explained that she continues to wear the moon boot not for style but to protect her spine, stressing that her injuries are permanent.
“I am permanently injured; I do not have an ankle bone on my right foot,” she said, clarifying the severity of the damage from the accident. She also said she was fortunate to avoid amputation, adding, “I’m very fortunate that my leg didn’t have to be amputated. I’m blessed to have two feet and ten toes today.”
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Recalling the long road to recovery, Mpisane said she had to relearn how to walk two years after the accident while also coping with amnesia. Her journey included both physical rehabilitation and adapting to life changes that have followed her since the crash.
“Every post attracts negative comments about my moon boot. Why?” she wrote, urging followers to see her story as one of resilience. “I might be disliked for focusing on myself, rising above my challenges, and not providing drama for entertainment. Surviving is not something I will apologise for. I’m a warrior. Be inspired.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
