Harare — On Sunday, Zimbabwe woke up to the news that a documentary on one of its own daughters, Prudence Mabhena had won an Oscar Award in Hollywood.

Despite being pitted against other critically acclaimed productions, the documentary, Music by Prudence, sailed through and won the judges' approval, landing the coveted prize in the Best Short Documentary Category.

The Oscars, or better still the Academy Awards, have become Hollywood's icon over the past 82 years, one of the most prestigious arts events across the globe, which any artist worth his salt would want to grace.

You can imagine how the country received news that a mini-documentary featuring Prudence had won an Oscar Award.

The honour bestowed on her for such a feat has cascaded down to the ordinary man in the street, who does not view it as an individual achievement, but a national one.

Prudence's story has brought about fresh hope and inspiration among physically challenged children, parents as well as rights campaigners that nothing is impossible as long as one remains focused on attaining one's goals.

Despite her disability and the rejection she faced during her upbringing, she remained focused in attaining her dream and proving that she could do it.

She did not only become a musician, but also one of repute and even the quality of music that she and her seven-member band, Liyana produces, attests to that.

When Leslie Goldwasser discovered her she was not wallowing in self-pity about her condition, but was actually working hard to make a career from music, something Leslie might have found quite encouraging and vowed to assist her in whatever way she could.

Despite her difficult circumstances, her positive attitude towards life has enabled her to write her piece of history that would be emblazoned in halls of fame, so that generations to come can learn about a woman who worked hard to make a difference in her life.

If anything Prudence's success is a statement that one can make it no matter what one's circumstances are. Her story bears testimony that hard work, perseverance and determination pay off.

It is that kind of attitude that physically challenged people should adopt, despite discrimination they might face in their efforts to achieve and excel in their respective areas.

More often than not, physically challenged people relegate themselves to the periphery in activities they should be at the forefront, for fear of being labelled incapable even when they know that they can do it.

We do have in our midst talented physically challenged persons, who choose to go into a cocoon even in circumstances where they know they can excel.

Having identified talent, individuals and institutions should mentor and encourage growth of such gifted people, while looking at opportunities to give them adequate exposure.

Prudence's success story, which coincides with the International Women's Day, should not be ignored, but should actually inspire and propel people in similar situations to success.

As we celebrate with Prudence, let's not forget that the onus is also on us, to nurture, encourage and inspire young people that success can indeed be achieved, but one needs to work through the challenges and grab the golden opportunities.