REMEMBERING MADIBA 'Nothing About Us Without Us
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 www.thisability.co.za JANUARY 2015
REMEMBERING
MADIBA
‘Nothing About Us Without Us”
Remembering Nelson Mandela
and His Commitment to
Disability Rights
I n 1995 Madiba auctioned off his shoes (insert) worn as
he walked to freedom from Robben Island Prison, where
he had been held for 27 years, to the Cape Town City Hall.
only served to compound experience of discrimination,
indignity and poverty as a result of society’s response to
their differentness”
Upon his arrival, he delivered an address that articulated Nelson Mandela’s presidential inauguration speech
his commitment to “peace, democracy, and freedom for was broadcast in sign language, showing that the
all.” He auctioned his shoes to raise money for the Nelson new democratic government would value citizens with
Mandela Children’s Fund and the British Shoe Corps. disabilities. When crafting South Africa’s constitution,
First Steps Appeal, an organization that did research on Mandela took heed of “Nothing about us without us,” and
premature births — a common experience for people with worked with disabled people’s organizations to ensure that
cerebral palsy and other congenital disabilities. it prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, gender,
Mandela’s commitment to disability rights was far religion, sexual orientation, and ability. It further promotes
reaching. The disability rights rallying cry “nothing about equity by articulating specific measures to address
us without us” was first used in a disability context in South disadvantages faced by disenfranchised groups, including
Africa. South African disability rights activists built off of people with disabilities.
the momentum of anti-apartheid movement, championed “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but
by Mandela, and created cross-disability coalitions to seek to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of
equality for South Africans with disabilities. In the 1994 others.” - Nelson Mandela
election, South Africans with disabilities voted because
“they knew that the policy and practice of apartheid had Thank you, Madiba. Rest in Peace.
PAGE 2 | THISABILITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015
CLIFFMASS CAROLS FOR HEADWAY
Gold Reef City Casino’s Lyric Theatre played
host to this year’s Cliffmass Carols – a fundraising
event by radio personality, Gareth Cliff.
The host of the groundbreaking internet
and mobile radio platform, CliffCentral, hosted
the fundraiser with a host of celebrity friends
that included the all-round talented radio and
television presenter, Jen Su, actor Tumisho
Masha, IDOLS presenter and rapper, Proverb
and entertainer Casper de Vries. They were
supported by the CliffCentral team, the Tsogo
Sun Arts Academy students and the multi award
winning Soweto Gospel Choir.
The night was an all fun event of comedy, carols
renditions and surprise acts by different celebrities including an amazing solo
performance by Gareth himself!
Cliffmas Carols was sponsored by sweets maker Beacons and all proceeds
were for Headway.
Gareth Cliff has been Headway’s patron for a number of years and has
successfully hosted Cliffmas Carols for the past three years.
FROM WHEELS OF STEEL TO
BLADES OF GLORY...
THISABILITY NEWSPAPER subscribes to the South African Press Code Williams waxed lyrical about
that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. his above-knee artificial legs.
If we don’t live up to the standards set in the Code, please contact the “They’re exciting. This has
Public Advocate in the Press Council at 011 484 3612/8, Fax: 011 4843619.
Website: www.presscouncil.org.za. changed my life.”
He said he only sees pictures
of himself as a toddler with legs
and doesn’t remember walking.
“But now my blades make up
for that,” he said. He described
News Team his first sessions of walking as
strange but amazing.
“I now walk like other people.
Editor I haven’t walked in 20 years.
Simon Manda: simon@thisability.co.za I’ve only had them for three
Cell: 072 178 6426 weeks but I’ve managed to get
my balance right very quickly. It
Layout & Design was quite difficult, though, and I
dtp@flyingant.co.za fell on the odd occasions. “I’m more flexible and it’s easier for me to move around. It’s an
amazing feeling,” Williams said. The prosthetic legs, said the basketball player, bring him
Advertising “exciting challenges.”
ant@flyingant.co.za “I’m now trying other sports. I’ve been trying to play soccer, but it’s been challenging
because the legs are blades. I was at the beach recently and I walk around the streets
Administrator now,” he said. Williams still uses his wheelchair to play basketball and when he’s tired. The
Anthony Cuerden national basketball team’s forward said he wants to compete with able-bodied players.
ant@flyingant.co.za Williams said he idolises American basketball player Kevin Durant, while Richard Nortje
Tel: 031 309 5385 remains his favourite local wheelchair basketball player.
Outlining his short- and long-term plans, Williams said: “Short term, I want to focus on
Website Administrator the national team and stay with them for a while. I also want to help the team qualify for the
Ashveer Munilal
Paralympics in Brazil in 2016.
webs@flyingant.co.za
“Long term, I want to succeed in basketball. I want to be one of the greatest sports stars
Postal Address in the country. Plus I also want to find a club overseas.” His legs were sponsored by the
PO BOX 47704, Greyville, 4023, national basketball team’s sponsors.
Tel: 087 8090 844 According to Williams’ family, he had to have his limbs cut off as a toddler after suffering
meningococcal meningitis.
Board of Trustees “He moves around more independently and we no longer have to go through the struggle
Mrs Felicity Hartley, Prof. Paulus Zulu of moving furniture around when he wants to move around the house. It’s an awesome
Mr. Guy Vezi, Dr Shakila Maharaj feeling... knowing I can walk with him to the park. It’s been 20 years, “said his mother Janice.
Sifiso Sibiya, Bongani Shezi “Words can’t describe the happiness this has brought to the family,” she said, adding that
it was sad that he takes off to Gauteng for national duty 10 days after he came back home
THISABILITY NEWSPAPER is an entity and with legs.
registered with the Department of Social “We have to live with it. What makes him happy makes us happy.” She said the process
Development as an Non-Profit Organisation. of his finding balance on his prosthetic legs was much quicker than they had expected.
By SOYISO MALITI, PICTURES: FUAD ESACK and ANGELO KALMEYER-Athlone
NPO NO. 097-227 PBO NO. 9300 389 85 News
VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015 PAGE 3 | THISABILITY
ATHENA-BRINGING LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY
TO THE PEOPLE
150 unemployed ATHENA - ITN rural disadvantaged Learners With Disabilities, on a TETA funded learnership, received their
Electronic 10.1 inch Tablet PCs in November 2014.
This was entirely funded by ATHENA with the Tablets sourced by their as it has become apparent that this promised Wi-Fi access is certainly not
supplier Kingfisher Office Supplies whose director himself is a Person with available to ATHENA learners and the public in general. It would seem that
Disability. ATHENA expects these that this initiative will assist their learners this access is the preserve of a select few in employment. This access to
to be empowered in dealing with these latest electronic devices and related Wi-Fi is a crucial barrier and limitation to ATHENA learners and the public at
information communication technology. ATHENA now expects submission large, in realising the true extent of their potential in the important arena of
of professional work for their Portfolios of Evidence on the Learnership information communication technology.
Secretarial Administration Services based on the National Certificate: The Android based Electronic 10.1 inch Tablet PCs have also proven to
Business Administration Services. All learners were recruited from the rural be a cost effective alternative to various assistive technologies addressing
areas within KZN, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Most of these learners specifically blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, cerebral palsy,
have not been afforded the opportunity to gain experience or exposure in a burnt victims, amputees and learners with albinism.
formal working environment before and certainly not worked on a computer Though ATHENA has made some inroads into cost effective Android based
either, let alone be able to afford such a device in the first place. Their tablets alternatives as assistive devices and technologies, they would welcome
are now for them to keep after successful completion of the learnership. any guidance and assistance from experts out there to help guide them in
ATHENA decided to go the android route and ensured that the Tablets providing a more complete and effective solution especially for our learners
were Wi-Fi enabled due to the significant expense of Microsoft software and who are totally blind and totally deaf.
related assistive technologies. This decision was made due to limited funding
and expectation that all municipal buildings and libraries were promised ATHENA’s office landline is 031 4590942/37 and email address is
areas of free Wi-Fi access to the public. This however, has been a challenge info@athena.co.za
MASTERCHEF JUDGE CELEBRATES WORLD DISABILITY
DAY WITH WTSA
Shortly after her return from the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters; Kgothatso
Montjane and compatriot Evans Maripa met up with one of South Africa’s
Masterchefs; Reuben Riffel in celebration of World Disability Day.
International Disability Day is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims
to promote understanding of people with disability and encourage continued
support for their dignity and rights. Disability awareness month is a month
dedicated to diminishing the barriers of disability and improving the quality of
life of people living with disabilities.
”Disability has nothing to do with ability” ~ anonymous
KG Montjane and Evans Maripa had a tremendous time with Masterchef
judge Reuben Riffel whilst the recently awarded Sports Photographer of the
year Reg Caldecott snapped away.
The successful celebrity chef, restaurateur, husband and father said: “Stick
to your own style, be true to yourself. Recipes are there to inspire and it
is evident that all three these phenomenal athletes have followed a superb
recipe. It was a great pleasure to meet KG and Evans and I would like to
congratulate them on their achievements and wish them all the best for the
future.”
Montjane is currently ranked no.9 internationally and she, Evans Maripa
and Lucas Sithole left for Australia early January 2015.
Wheelchair Tennis South Africa and Airports Company South Africa
Partnership:
The Airports Company South Africa is the official sponsor of Wheelchair
Tennis South Africa and the sport of wheelchair tennis. Airports Company
South Africa has contributed no less than R26-million to date and has
committed to a continued investment in the sport as its flagship Corporate
Social Investment programme.
For more information, please contact Bianca Morkel Tel: 083 386 4002 Fax:
086 651 6664 Email:pr@tennis.co.za. Other resources worth a visit include:
From left to right: SA’s no.1 men’s player Evans Maripa, Celebrity www.tennis.co.za; or join our Facebook page and group: Wheelchair Tennis
Masterchef judge Reuben Riffel and KG Montjane; SA’s no.1 SA and follow us on Twitter: @WCTennis.
in the women’s division. Photo by Reg Caldecott.
PAGE 4 | THISABILITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015
STARTUP NATIONS SA LAUNCHES A COLLABORATIVE
ENTREPRENEUR ECOSYSTEM
South Africa in November 2014 became the first African country to launch
Startup Nations South Africa (SUNSA), which is a collaborative effort by
founding partners, The Innovation Hub, the Industrial Development Corporation
(IDC) and the Wits Business School, aimed at contributing towards building a
robust entrepreneurship ecosystem and vibrant sustainable entrepreneurship
culture.
South Africa joined a global network of Start Up Nations such as Startup
Britain, Startup Chile, Startup Malaysia, Startup China, Startup Norway,
Startup Australia and more recently Startup Brazil, Startup Vietnam and
Startup Korea.
Startup Nations is an entrepreneurship revolution, focused on advancing
the national agenda for entrepreneurship and the creation of a sustainable
environment where start-ups and small businesses can meaningfully
contribute to the economic and social development of South Africa.
As part of the Startup Nations movement, SUNSA will work closely with an
international network of entrepreneurship capacity development experts to
advance the local entrepreneurship movement.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Small
Business said, “The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2012 annual
survey reminds us that entrepreneurship levels in our country are the lowest
they have been in three years. The call to action is for all of us to work hard
to inculcate a culture of entrepreneurship in the country. We must consciously
strive to build a nation of entrepreneurs and not a nation of job-seekers”
”In the spirit of vukuzenzele, our people must seize the economic The South African chapter seeks to tap into this vibrant sector in order to
opportunities presented by our democracy and freedom to build and grow build a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem that will make meaningful
businesses. We see small businesses and co-operatives as critical to creating contributions towards job creation and sustainable economic growth in the
an economy that benefits all. It is through this intervention that we will be long term. It has also set about building a trusted knowledge-network of highly
able to defeat the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. connected local and global innovation and entrepreneur thought leaders who
Government is convinced that through this intervention, we will be able to will provide strategic guidance on how best to create a national impact and
unlock economic opportunities and thus achieve inclusive economic growth encourage dialogue on entrepreneurship capacity development. The diverse
and sustainable employment, particularly for women, youth and people with and influential SUNSA Advisory Board will not only play a mentorship role,
people with disabilities.” but also offer collective insights and thought leadership as part of the capacity
Through the support of the IDC, The Innovation Hub, and the Wits Business building and development process.
School’s Center for Entrepreneurship; SUNSA will focus on creating a national
collaboration platform between public sector, private sector, academia and ABOUT STARTUP NATIONS SOUTH AFRICA
civil society. SUNSA is a collaborative effort by The Innovation Hub, the Industrial
With its campaign mantra, to spark, seed and sustain, SUNSA seeks Development Corporation and Wits Business School to kick-start South Africa’s
to unleash local talent and create an entrepreneur ecosystem the drives start-up community. It is a national ecosystem to give our youth, inventors,
innovative solutions for local problems. As a full member of Startup Nations innovators and entrepreneurs a voice to engage with their global peers to
and Global Entrepreneurship Week, supported by the Kauffman Foundation, start, seed and sustain successful local enterprises that will meaningfully
this initiative will enable local startup businesses to share best practices contribute towards job creation and sustainable economic growth.
and collaborate with other like-minded peers in the global entrepreneurship
movement. To join the Startup Revolution today visit us at
SUNSA envisages to create a collaborative development framework with a www.startupnationssouthafrica.org
focus on mobilising human, financial and institutional resources as a means Find us on Facebook: StartupNationsSouthAfrica or Follow us on
to support, develop and grow startup businesses in South Africa. Twitter @StartupNationsSA
DEAFSA OPENS HOTEL IN CAPE TOWN
A day after the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an It would also offer sustainable employment for persons with disabilities.
innovative and unique hotel was opened in Cape Town – Park Inn Newlands. “There are over a million people in South Africa who are extremely hard of
The 122-bedroomed, mid-market, three-star hotel is designed and built for hearing or deaf,” said Hanekom. “These people can be described as having
universal accessibility for people with disabilities, and a third of staff members a disability; of course, it poses challenges but it ought to be a really limited
is deaf. The hotel is also 40% owned by DeafSA, which has its offices on the challenge. There is not a lot I can do that a deaf person can’t do.
first floor. “Deaf people could be our leading scientists, engineers, hotel managers,
The balance is evenly split between the Industrial Development Corporation even our minister of tourism. There is very little that deaf people cannot do,
(IDC), which funded construction, and Meridian Property Holdings, a Cape and this project demonstrates this in very real terms.”
Town developer. It is operated under the Radisson brand by international Park Inn Newlands is built on the premises of the old Bastion of the Deaf, a
hotelier Rezidor. landmark for the deaf community and the Cape Town offices of DeafSA. The
DeafSA has about 800 000 hearing impaired members countrywide. For it, hotel is a landmark project that has been designed to cater for the needs of
the hotel is a key broad-based empowerment initiative that has created income all persons with disabilities.
generating, skills transfer and employment opportunities for its members. As
a shareholder, it will mean the NGO is less reliant on donor funding.
Speaking on the sidelines of the opening on the night of 4 December,
Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom called Park Inn Newlands a “shining
example of what is possible” and “an inspiration”.
“We will be announcing a programme early next year to give incentives
to product owners to retrofit their establishments. Will be starting modestly,
targeting only graded establishments, because we will be piloting not only for
universal accessibility for disability, but also retrofitting for energy efficiency.”
“It is a real shining example of responsible tourism and inclusion, ensuring
not only that there is community inclusion but that [the deaf community has]
real ownership of the hotel.”
Starting on a pilot basis, his department’s incentive programme would
support retrofitting of establishments through modest redesign, beginning
with assessments of needs.
Regarding universal accessibility, it would extend to other tourism products.
“We will, for example, train tour guides in sign language. At the moment we
are trying to enhance our tourism offerings and make sure that people with
disabilities can enjoy what our country has to offer,” Hanekom said.
VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015 PAGE 5 | THISABILITY
TRAINING FOR DISABILITY EQUALITY
JICA (the Japanese International Cooperation Authority) recently DET is:
conducted the training for trainers on Disability Equality Training (ToT on - Promoting disability as an equal opportunities issue
DET) in Johannesburg. - Examining the barriers faced by disabled people in society
Only persons with disability can attend the ToT on DET because participants - Questioning stereotypes, myths and misconceptions about disability
of ToT are expected to implement DET as a disability education for the public - Promoting positive change both in policy and practice
and as an empowerment for other Persons with Disabilities in their respective DET is NOT:
countries. - Simulation exercise of physical, sensory or mental impairments
The true nature of “disability” is neither mere functional limitations of - Giving information about medical conditions
individuals, nor the difficulty of performance which results directly from such DET will enable participants to:
limitations. “Disability” is oppression, discrimination, social exclusion and - Check their understanding of disability
restriction of participation which is socially constructed and imposed upon - Challenge the negative myths and values of disabled people
people who are regarded as different in terms of body functions and structures. - Develop an action plan for good working practices in the workplace
Therefore, disabled people are neither less-able nor in-able, but are dis-abled For further information, visit www.detforum.com
by the society which takes little or no account of people who have different Since joining the Colombo Plan in 1954, Japan has been providing
functions and structures. financial and technical assistance to developing countries through JICA,
This perspective on “disability” is called the Social Model of Disability, and aiming to contribute to the peace and inclusively development. Since 1994,
makes the conceptual foundation of Disability Equality Training (DET). DET JICA South Africa office has been offering the support for South Africa to
is a disability education which aims to promote understanding of disability achieve equal society. Currently, JICA provides technical supports on Human
from the Social Model perspective, and facilitate proactive actions to break Resource Development, Public Infrastructure Development and Promotion of
disabling barriers in our society. participation of the socially vulnerable.
DET trainers facilitate participatory learning among participants to discover In the field of supports to persons with disabilities, JICA is supporting
new perspective on disability, i.e., social model of disability, and develop Disability Mainstreaming and Empowerment of PWDs through a Disability
proactive actions to change their organisations and communities to be more Mainstreaming Advisor, Mr. Daisuke SAGIYA, who dispatches to DSD from
inclusive. 2012, and a project on human resource development for Independent Living
in collaboration with Gauteng DSD and 2 South African DPOs in Gauteng.
CHALLENGES FOR AFRICA’S MENTAL HEALTH
WORKFORCE IN THE YEARS AHEAD
While many countries in the have meant that mental health in Africa has been a low priority to date, with
region are currently grappling African countries reportedly spending less than 1% of their health budgets on
with Ebola, Sub-Saharan Africa average on mental health.”
may soon face a crisis in mental Ms Charlson said many Sub-Saharan countries currently only have a
health, warn researchers from fraction of mental health staffing targets.
The University of Queensland “Based on our estimates, we fear a significant shortfall of mental health
(UQ) and the University of Cape Town (UCT). workers across all Sub-Saharan countries.”
Fiona Charlson from UQ’s School of Population Health says that Sub- Ms Charlson says meeting the mental health challenge will require a shift
Saharan Africa is beginning to see a health transition as improvements in in healthcare practice in most African countries, with significant investment
child mortality and treating infectious diseases see a parallel rise in the needed to train the health workforce, make better use of community-based
chronic, non-communicable diseases already seen in many of the world’s resources and establish inpatient psychiatric units based in district and
developed countries. regional general hospitals.
“Improvements in life expectancy in the Sub-Sahara have historically Co-author on the study, Professor Crick Lund from the Alan J Flisher
trailed other parts of the world but advances in many areas of health are Centre for Public Mental Health at UCT said: “we need to change the model
expected to see the population double to 1.8m by 2050, with the majority of of delivering mental health care, by integrating mental health services into
the population aged over 25 years,” said Ms Charlson. primary care. This study provides an estimate of the mental health workforce
The demographic shift has significant implications for the incidence of needed up to the year 2050, using this model. This is to keep up with the
mental health and substance use disorders, with people aged between 20 projected increased burden of mental disorders due to demographic changes
and 54 years most likely to experience these conditions. in the years ahead. Policy makers need to invest in and scale up mental
“Mental and substance use disorders are already the leading cause of health care to meet this rising need.”
disability in Sub-Saharan Africa – accounting for 19% of all years lived with The findings of Ms Charlson and colleagues are based on the “Mental
a disability – and we expect this burden to continue to increase, with mental and Substance Use Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa: Predictions of
health disorders rivaling communicable disease in terms of disability by 2050,” Epidemiological Changes and Mental Health Workforce Requirements for
said Ms Charlson. the Next 40 Years” and published in PLOS ONE (http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/
Ms Charlson said health services in Sub-Saharan countries are ill-equipped journal.pone.0110208).
to manage the increasing burden of these disorders. Media Enquiries: Amit Makan, a.makan@uct.ac.za, +27 21 685 9106
“The region’s mental health services are generally based in large, city The Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health (CPMH) is a joint
hospitals and are often limited to treating only those people with acute initiative of the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University and the
psychoses and those affected by the trauma of war or gender-based violence,” Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town.
she said. The CPMH’s monthly seminar programme is an opportunity to share on-going
“Understandably, the pressures of communicable diseases and malnutrition work and invite broader participation in the Centre.
PAGE 6 | THISABILITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015
STRUGGLE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUES
African National Congress (ANC) - claiming to represent our interest. Other
organisations, including those under the so-called South African Disability
By Magic Nkhwashu Alliance (SADA) are also an enemy to the people they claim to represent
Although our country celebrated twenty as they remain untransformed, and mainly serve as “retirement institutions”
years of democracy with much publicity and fronting units. Today, the battle is not over.
and fanfare, the practical implementation Laws often look good on paper, but when implementation falls short,
of South Africa’s constitution, regarded as people with disAbilities need to respond to the challenges and takeover
one of the most progressive in the world the struggle that is in direct conflict with their human rights. These unique
(as it holds as its central values the ideals and important demands of people with disAbilities require a formation of
of human rights), is quietly playing out in caucus in different institutions, to assist in educating as well as mobilizing
the struggle spirit that originally won the on disAbility issues. This can influence the powers that might be and
freedom. ensure everyone could make their issues heard.
Government as the custodian of the South African disAbility framework is Many people with disAbilities in South Africa remain living socially
in the forefront of violation and insensitivity towards people with disAbilities, isolated, cash-strapped lives and struggle to participate in normal activities.
and the least said about other actors in society, the better. Disproportionately high numbers has limited engagement in leisure, social
A large number of people with disAbilities are riddled with so much and cultural activities, social contact, learning opportunities and paid
anxiety and lack of confidence that they struggle to lead a normal life. This work. They also suffer restrictions in using transport, affording expenses,
is the most common barrier to employment, whereas on the other hand accessing rooms in their home and buildings outside their home.
individuals with impairments have limited participation in leisure, social and Given that people with disAbilities still occupy an inferior position in
cultural activities. society through no fault of their own, and as they continue to battle public
Accessibility and universal design that can benefit everyone and make perception that makes assumptions about them that may not be true
life easier for parents with strollers or toddlers, seniors and the about 15 - simply as a consequence of their disAbilities – in the coming editions
percent (7,947,000 million) of the South African residents (52.98 million) we’ll be focusing on some of the most significant struggles that include;
who have a permanent or temporary disAbility remains a huge challenge. *Integration, *Social Stigma, *Being Heard or Having a Public Voice,
There’s lack of persistent, militant actions led by people with disAbilities *Parenting, *Relationship, *Educational Accommodations, *Accessibility,
to overcome the enormous social and institutional barriers, and to demand *Transportation, *Cost of Care, *Employment, etc.
the right to develop their full potential. Instead these struggles have been
sold out by Disable People South Africa (DPSA) - in bed with the ruling A luta continua!!! “The struggle continues... ...victory is certain”
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM TOUCHES HEARTS
As South Africa celebrated National Disability Rights Awareness Month, The Chairman further emphasized the need to do this on a continuous
the Allied Movement for Change, a civil society organization, realized that basis, to ensure that the most vulnerable in communities are protected. The
Empowerment must go far deeper than vigorous Facebook posts advocating Outreach Program explored the legislative policies and addressed key barriers
for people with disabilities. It must surpass talks about wheelchair ramps and to justice like communication impairments. Attendees had the opportunity to
special needs facilitation in schools. While these are important, empowerment engage with various officials to share their challenges and seek assistance.
is more than that. Empowerment is no quick fix process. Addressing human rights issues
Through their Disability Outreach and Empowerment Program, which is using an empowerment approach to encouraging collective agency of
being rolled out in various communities across the Western Cape, Gauteng marginalized people takes time.
and Kwazulu-Natal, the movement is challenging discriminatory systems “When we developed our Disability Outreach and Empowerment Program,
which limit the most vulnerable within communities. The purpose is to highlight we were conservative in our views of its impact. We collaborated with various
that people with disabilities are simply people! It is also to focus attention on organizations and our research team worked exceptionally hard to ensure
addressing barriers to equality and access to other human rights for those that we delivered a program that is both relevant and empowering,” said
with and affected by disabilities. Executive Deputy Chairman Fazlin Fransman.
The first program was rolled out in Umzinto, in KwaZulu Natal, where over Fransman further noted that collaboration is key to driving social change.
70 persons with disabilities and their families attended an empowerment “This is an ongoing process and we will be accelerating this roll-out of this
program which aimed to inform them of their rights, while simultaneously program in the coming months.”
setting up support groups for the families so that they could access health
programs, grant-in-aids, the Dial-a-ride system and various other government
initiatives which are available to disabled people.
The Allied Movement for Change works to ensure that communities have
the human capital to empower themselves. Achieving this goal for people with
disabilities is not easy, as there are many structural challenges which inhibit
them. It is exactly for this reason that they have taken up the baton.
People with disabilities in South Africa face multiple layers of discrimination,
despite our post-Apartheid human rights rhetoric. Many of the basic human
rights, which we take for granted are pipe dreams for them.
“The roll-out of this program is so essential. More than 100 people living
with disabilities attended this empowerment program. The information
disseminated by the various organizations and government departments are
so pertinent to the cause of ensuring that disabled people are empowered
within our system,” said Roy Bhoola, Executive Chairman of the Allied
Movement for Change.
NEW LAB FOR RURAL INANDA
Tuesday 09th December - The Deputy Minister of Social Development, buildings, including schools, clinics and shops. They are also often subjected
Mme Bogopane-Zulu was joined by other government leaders and the to harassment and discrimination due to the traditional beliefs associated with
community of Inanda, eThekwini to hand over the MTN-SA Foundation disability. Households with disabled family members are often at a financial
sponsored inclusive computer centre at the Impumelelo for the Disabled disadvantage due to the additional costs associated with disability. Persons
Community Projects in Inanda, eThekwini. with disabilities themselves therefore often feel marginalised and excluded
Impumelelo of the Disabled Community Projects was established in 2010 from community life and do not seize opportunities available to the community.
as an initiative by persons with disabilities for persons with disabilities and The organisation focuses on best practice empowerment programmes
their families living in the Amatikwe and Amawoti areas of Ethekwini Metro in planned and implemented by persons with disabilities for the benefit of
KwaZulu-Natal. The Amatikwe and Amawoti communities in Inanda, Ethekwini, persons with disabilities - ranging from skills development, sustainable
consist of predominantly impoverished households living in peri-rural livelihood support, work preparation programmes, enterprise development life
settings. Persons with disabilities living in these communities are subjected coaching and leadership development. A strong focus in social cohesion in all
to extremely hostile environments which often keep them housebound due our programmes, in other words, bringing able-bodied and disabled persons
to inaccessible transport systems, road and street networks, inaccessible together in action to build more resilient and caring communities.
VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015 PAGE 7 | THISABILITY
SACDA HOLDS DANCE TRIALS
The South African Circle of Dance Academy (SACDA) was once again Gladys Bullock has been coaching both integrated dancers for over 20
proud to host the annual Open Disabled/Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin years and has been instrumental in bringing this competition to this level along
American Dance Trials for the 15th year running. The event took place at the with the support of the sponsors and schools. The smiles of the beautiful
Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre in Mitchells Plain and this change of venue dancers showed exactly what true happiness is!
offered the opportunity to bring this sport to the heart of a community where For further information or donations please contact SACDA –
most of the disadvantaged dancers hail from. Desiree 071 861 9050
The event has been made possible in the past four years by the main
sponsor, Truworths as well as gift bags from Vodacom. For the past 3 years
the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport partnered by supplying lunch
packs for the dancers, but due to change of admin staff, the Department did
not participate this time around. The schools and parents had to chip in at the
eleventh hour to feed the dancers with money they could ill afford. Dancers
of all disabilities (blind, deaf, cerebral palsy LSEN, wheelchair users etc.)
and dance levels from specials schools across the Western Cape got the
opportunity to compete and had a day dedicated to themselves to enjoy this
growing and uplifting sport.
Over 300 dancers participated and lots of spectators supported the event.
The event ran smoothly and timeously with the excitement and energy on the
dancers and spectators’ faces alike showing the joy and happiness this event
brought.
WORKSHOPS GIVE DEAF LEARNERS
ACCESS TO TRAINING
Deaf learners across South Africa will have the chance to learn theatre support of the Department Arts Culture and Sport, Western Cape; the National
skills thanks to workshops by FTHK. Arts Council, The Rolf Stephens Nussbaum Trust and the National Lotteries
The tour started on 25 November 2015 and visited schools and community Distribution Trust Fund
centres in Johannesburg, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. For further information, e-mail Ana Lemmer on ana@fthk.co.za or
Visual theatre company FTHK, the recipient of the 2011 Fleur du Cap Sherna Botto on sherna@fthk.co.za
Award for Innovation in Theatre, integrates Deaf and hearing performers and
creates ground-breaking productions and theatre education initiatives that About FTHK
are accessible to Deaf audiences. Their Tell-Tale Signs (TTS) programme
extends to Deaf and hearing schools and organisations across the county FTHK is a ground-breaking theatre company that works in the field of visual
and, since its inception in 2007, the National Schools Tour has introduced the theatre. Without a dependency on any one language, its work crosses over
excitement of live theatre shows and training programmes to more than 50 cultural and linguistic divides and calls on audiences to “Listen With Your
000 learners. Eyes”. It has won multiple awards, including the 2011 Fleur du Cap award
The first phase of the 2014 schedule took place early last year, visiting for Innovation in Theatre, and the company has toured all over South Africa,
schools and community organisations in rural areas in the Western Cape, Germany, Argentina and in the USA, reaching more than 70 000 people in
Eastern Cape and Free State in partnership with Clowns without Borders. eight years.
For the next leg, a dynamic team of acclaimed theatre makers teamed up to More than that, their non-verbal, visual theatre integrates Deaf and hearing
devise a workshop programme. UK-based Deaf artist, Ramesh Meyyappan, artists, audiences and educators, and the company has won multiple awards
who has previously worked with FTHK in a residency at the Dominican School for this work. Their aim of bringing together the Deaf and hearing is best
for Deaf Children in Wynberg Cape Town, joined former FTHK company illustrated through their unique Tell-Tale Signs programme which has trained,
member Liezl de Kock and long-time collaborator Sjaka Septembir as well as inspired and fascinated Deaf and hearing communities around the world
choreographer Andile Vellum, who is also Deaf. since the company’s inception.
In addition, the Western Cape learners who took part in the workshops FTHK productions include OfficeBLOCK, its award-winning performances
had the opportunity to attend a performance of the internationally-acclaimed of Pictures of You and Benchmarks (in association with a conspiracy of
production, War Horse at Artscape Theatre on 5 December as part of a clowns), GUMBO, and its multi-award-nominated QUACK! and Womb Tide.
broader schools group initiative by Assitej, which was made possible thanks Visit www.fthk.co.za
to the generous sponsorship of Rand Merchant Bank.
In preparation for this visit, the Western Cape workshops focused on
educating learners about the production. Meyyappan has had the opportunity
to train with War Horse creators, Handspring Puppet Company, while de
Kock, Septembir and Vellum worked with the UK Partner and Producer, the
National Theatre UK team; Handspring Puppet Company and Assitej earlier
last year, to help develop content for the workshops. The FTHK team watched
War Horse while they were in Johannesburg.
“We were delighted to embark on the next phase of the 2014 National
Schools Tour,” says Ana Lemmer, CEO of FTHK. “The workshops for this
leg of the tour were longer than those from the previous legs early in 2014,
enabling learners to benefit from more focused time and increasing the
opportunity for skills transfer to take place.”
The 2014 National Schools Tour was made possible thanks to the generous
PAGE 8 | THISABILITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015
DON’T DENY ME MY DISABILITY, DIGNITY AND
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
By Edward Ndopu equity, it would seem that to show employees with disabilities support in the
When non-disabled people hear disabled people exclaiming, “Do not pity workplace means to treat them like their non-disabled counterparts, that is, to
us,” what they actually hear is, “Treat us like able-bodied people.” And therein erase their embodied difference and act as though their individual disabilities
lies the problem. Why are able-bodied standards being universally upheld as do not exist. What winds up happening is that workplace performance
a measure of human worth? continues to be defined in relation to able-bodied standards of capacity.
Personally, I have no interest in denying my embodied difference because, Alternative notions of capacity are therefore invalidated as legitimate forms
were it not for my disability, I would not be the person I am today. Not in spite of competence. This makes it difficult for an employee living with a physical
of, but because of my disability, I have achieved extraordinary things. impairment to say “no, I don’t want to type out that report using my hands
I have just returned from Canada where I carried out my undergraduate because in actual fact my toes do the job better” because, to put it bluntly,
studies, graduating with high distinction. Since the age of 19, I have toes are not validated in the workplace as perfectly acceptable for typing.
participated in meetings alongside world leaders, advocating for social and As a society made up of diverse abilities and non-abilities, we need to
economic justice. I now work for Amnesty International in the Johannesburg redefine empathy for disabled people in ways that do not confuse sincere
regional office as the youth engagement and activism coordinator for Africa, understanding with the logic of able-bodied supremacy.
and I am only 24 years old. Railing against pity as a strategy to stake our claim for dignity in so-called
Notwithstanding my professional success, I continue to be on the receiving mainstream spaces does not serve us as disability justice advocates. To
end of social stigma and bigotry because of my physical disability. No matter make the entire argument about individual behaviour obscures the ways in
how hard one tries, success cannot shield one from the devastation of which social conditioning truly operates.
structural inequality. By all means, feel sorry for me. Feel sorry for me in deep recognition of
I cannot tell you how many times I have been denied access to public the fact that it must be tremendously difficult for me as a physically disabled
spaces because our built environment is seldom, if ever, designed with person to negotiate my survival in a society intentionally structured around
disability in mind. For people with disabilities, our exclusion in society is the needs of non-disabled people.
pervasive and systematic. Feel sorry for me in deep recognition of the fact that it must be exhausting
Contrary to dominant thinking, however, disability is not a source for all that to fight constantly for rights that have been enshrined as inalienable in our
is negative and traumatic. As far as I am concerned, disability is an offering to collective consciousness, rights so taken for granted that they seem almost
humanity that enables us as individuals to divest from that suffocating thing inconsequential in the context of postmodern society.
we call “normal”. Feel sorry for me in deep recognition of the fact that it is able-bodied
Accordingly, when I say to my non-disabled counterparts “do not pity me”, supremacy, a system we are all complicit in, and not my physical disability
what I am saying is do not patronize me, do not belittle me in the name of that stands in the way of someone like me attaining full humanity and dignity.
some misplaced notion of compassion. What I am not saying is erase my By all means, feel sorry for me because merely to rail against pity without
disability and treat me as though my embodied difference means nothing in promoting sound structural analysis of able-bodied supremacy is to miss the
the context of our interaction. point and allow able-bodied supremacy to continue unabated.
What non-disabled people therefore need to do is learn how to demonstrate What I am asking for is not unreasonable: dignity, human rights and equality
empathy toward disabled people. of opportunity rest at the cornerstone of our constitutional democracy.
That is not the same thing as not demonstrating pity. Because to not
demonstrate pity is merely to occupy a vacuum, defaulting to a logic of able- Article Adapted: Source-Mail and Guardian
bodied supremacy, which is rooted in the assumption that non-disabled ways Edward (Eddie) Ndopu is the youth engagement and activism
of being are a prerequisite for human worth. coordinator for Africa at Amnesty International, based in the
We see the logic of able-bodied supremacy manifest itself in everyday life. Johannesburg regional office.
For example, in the context of organisational “commitments” to employment
BRINGING ON THE SUN AND FUN!
Bring on the sun and fun! And that is exactly what happened on Saturday It is the belief of Special Olympics that people can, with proper instruction and
29th November 2014 when 109 athletes from Bona Lesedi, Cluny Farm, encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and
Novalis House, Diepsloot Arsenal Development Club and Shumbashaba team sport. This is a belief shared by Shumbashaba and all the participating
participated in the 4th Unified Sports Day to be held at Shumbashaba. organisations. Saturday’s event provided the perfect opportunity for this belief
The four sporting codes on offer included bocce, equestrian, soccer and to be lived, and being a Unified Sports Day it brought people with and without
volleyball- all of which were played in the fine spirit of good sportsmanship disabilities together on the playing field.
with many friendships forged on and off the field. This ability to bring people with and without intellectual disabilities together
Special Olympics S.A. , Shumbashaba Community Trust, S.A. National dispels long-standing myths, changes negative attitudes and offers new
Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA), Bona Lesedi and Diepsloot opportunities to embrace and celebrate people with intellectual disabilities.
Arsenal Development once again joined hands, combined limited resources There were many examples of boundless courage and enthusiasm
and called on many kind and caring volunteers and organisations to assist in on display, whilst participation in the games resulted in many athletes
putting this day together. experiencing a heightened sense of self-confidence and a more positive self-
People with disabilities are one of the most marginalised groups in the world. image. This was clear to see on the athletes faces whose joy on the field was
matched by an improved posture that clearly said “I am good enough”.
For all athletes, their chosen sporting codes is an opportunity to develop
physical fitness, improve motor skills, and participate in a sharing of gifts,
skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and
the community.
Story Submitted: Jacky du Plessis, Shumbashaba Community Trust
VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015 PAGE 9 | THISABILITY
PHILANTHROPY HEROES HONOURED
Twelve extraordinary individuals and Job Creation.
were honoured at the prestigious • Youth activist and founder of Vanthswa Va Xivono, Samuel Ntsanwisi
annual Inyathelo Philanthropy received the 2014 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Youth
Awards gala event, including a Development.
couple of friends who set up an • Champion of orphans and vulnerable children in Durban, Mohamed
organisation to support refugees and Fayaz Khan, was the recipient of the 2014 Inyathelo Award for
asylum seekers, the founder of the Philanthropy in Child Welfare.
‘Spread the Luv Movement’ and Jack • Founders and funders of the after-school education programme
Ginsberg, a passionate supporter HELP, Anna-Marie and Jan Kaars-Sijpesteijn, received the 2014
of South African contemporary art. Inyathelo Philanthropy Award for Support in Education.
The gala event was initiated by • And for his multi-million rand contribution to promoting social justice,
Inyathelo: The South African Institute better healthcare and human rights in South Africa, Founding Chairman
for Advancement eight years ago of The Atlantic Philanthropies Charles Feeney is the recipient of the 2014
to acknowledge, celebrate and honour those whose personal giving has Inyathelo Lifetime Philanthropy Award for Giving While Living.
contributed towards sustainable social change in our country. Inyathelo Executive Director Shelagh Gastrow singled out the remarkable
The following individuals were presented with awards: contribution made by Founding Chairman of The Atlantic Philanthropies
• Founding Directors of the Adonis Musati Project for refugees, Gayle Charles Feeney to South Africa’s democracy as he was acknowledged at
McWalter and Gahlia Brogneri, were the recipients of the 2014 the Awards. “Atlantic has served as a key partner for education, health and
Inyathelo Award for Social Justice Philanthropy. human rights organisations in our country. Led by the late Gerald Kraak,
• Founder of the Chess Development Project, Jabulani Ncubuka, Atlantic’s giving in South Africa was strategic and impactful, creating a
received the 2014 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Youth community of individuals and organisations committed to democracy. The
Development. closure of Atlantic’s activity here is a challenge to local philanthropy to step
• Passionate supporter of South African contemporary art and Founding into the breach and to move away from working within a charitable paradigm
Patron of The Ampersand Foundation, Jack Ginsberg, was the towards targeting initiatives that bring about systemic change,” says Gastrow.
recipient of the 2014 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. Over eighty philanthropists have so far been honoured with Inyathelo
• Co-Founder of the ‘Spread Luv Movement’, Kgomotso Mokoena, Philanthropy Awards, including the likes of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond
received the 2014 Inyathelo Award for Youth in Philanthropy. Tutu; 9-year-old rhino campaigner Afeefah Patel; the Ackerman family;
• Founder and President of the DAD Fund to nurture young leaders, Founder of the Hope Warriors Children’s Charity Patrick Mashanda; former
Lyndon Barends, was the recipient of the 2014 Inyathelo Award for Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University Dr Saleem Badat; and Alice Wamundiya,
Philanthropy in Education. a former car guard from Rwanda who established an organisation to provide
• Founder and Director of Hlumelelisa for convicted offenders, Paul tertiary education for refugees.
Bruns, received the 2014 Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Rehabilitation
LE ROUX HONOURED WITH MBOKODO AWARD
The Director of Audience this in mind I started this personal journey and it dawned on me that the road
Development & Education, Marlene to self-acceptance and sensuality is painful and challenging every single day.”
le Roux, won the theatre category The book challenges the myth that women with disabilities lack sensuality,
award at the Mbokodo Women in sexuality and agency.
the Arts Awards, held on Friday, 24 Her advice is: “Be kind to all persons who pass through your life since you
October 2014. never know how and when you may encounter them in your future. Be ethical
The Mbokodo Awards in your dealings and love what you do.”
acknowledges South African
women who support democracy
and empower communities and
individuals through their art. The
Awards are a partnership between
the Department of Arts and Culture
and Carol Bouwer Productions,
and are intended to contribute to
the process of achieving social
cohesion in the country.
Marlene Le Roux has many achievements and has previously been
awarded the Shoprite/Checkers Woman of the Year in the art category, the
Desmond Tutu Legendary Award, the Woman of the World Path the Way and
the Western Cape Provincial Award for Arts and Culture.
She has implemented HIV education projects and facilitated programmes
designed to take theatre to the people. At Artscape she implemented
Soundtrack4life, an HIV/AIDS awareness and education project and also
facilitated rural community development programmes designed to take
theatre to the people.
Marlene is also a member of the Paralympic committee and serves as
a Commissioner on the Constitutional Commission for the Protection of the
Rights of Cultural and Linguistic Communities.
“I realised that only a person with disabilities can change the mindset of
society. With this in mind I started this personal journey and it dawned on
me that the road to self-acceptance and sensuality is painful and challenging
every single day.”
At Artscape she implemented Soundtrack4life, an HIV/Aids Awareness and
Education project to empower young people to make responsible life choices
using theatre. She also facilitated the rural community development program
to take theatre to the people to encourage nation building.
She is also a mother, a wife and a person with a disability-having contracted
polio when she was three months old.
Her many achievements include a book on women with disabilities entitled
Look at Me. “The photographs and stories allow women to reflect on their
struggles and their inner journey to personal self-mastery,” says Marlene. “I
realised from a young age that society puts people with disabilities in a box
with an ‘ag shame’ [pitying] attitude and I felt I wanted to celebrate who I am
– disability and all.”
She says writing the book took her on a journey of self-discovery. “I realised
that only a person with disabilities can change the mind-set of society. With
PAGE 10 Awards:
INSETAS | THISABILITY
Awarding Service delivery Excellency in Disability VOL. 2 ISSUE 10 | JANUARY 2015
INSETAS AWARDS: AWARDING SERVICE
For persons or groups with disability who have displayed outstanding personal achievement in
The 2014 INSETA National Disability Awards was hosted in a glittering function at the Cape Sun on
business/ownership and who have advanced the cause of mainstreaming persons of disabilities
December 2, 2014.
DELIVERY EXCELLENCY IN DISABILITY
into the workplace.
ACSA and the MTN SA Foundation graciously responded to the call to co-sponsor the prizes for the
There are two winners in this category:
2014 Awards winners with INSETA, building on the United Nations theme for the 2014 International
The
Day 2014 with
of Persons INSETA National
Disabilities Disability
of “Sustainable Awards
Development: Thewas hosted
Promise in a glittering
of Technology”, with function at
1. the Cape
Self Help Sun onofDecember
Association 2, 2014.
Paraplegics (SHAP)
ACSA
prizes in theand
formthe MTN SA
of technology andFoundation
connectivity. graciously responded to the call to co-sponsor theAfrican
2. South prizes for the
Disability 2014 Awards
Development winners
Trust (SADDT) with INSETA, building on the
United Nations theme for the 2014 International Day of Persons with
Winners were however not only recipients, but also graciously accepted responsibilities as provincial
Disabilities of “Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology”,
National Company Disability Award with prizes in the
form of technology and connectivity.
ACSA assistive technology ambassadors. For organisations which have demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary commitment to skills
Winners were however not only recipients, but also graciously accepted responsibilities as provincial ACSA assistive technology ambassadors.
They will be development and creating workplace opportunities for persons with disabilities within the said
They willidentifying a deservingayoung
be identifying person with
deserving a disability
young person in their allocated
with provinces in
a disability as their allocated provinces as beneficiaries of enabling targets
assistive technology, will become
beneficiaries of enabling assistive technology, will become mentors to these young persons, and will
mentors to these young persons, and will liaise with the ACSA CSI team and regional airport managers on improving lifestyles of persons with disabilities
liaise with the ACSA CSI team and regional airport managers on improving lifestyles of persons with
through access to assistive technology for disadvantaged persons with disabilities.There were two winners in this category:
disabilities through access to assistive technology for disadvantaged persons with disabilities.
1. MTN SA Foundation
The list of the 2014 INSETA National Disability Awards winners is as follows: 2. MassMart
National Young Leader Disability Award National Higher
National Education
Higher Institution
Education Award
Institution Award
For young persons between the age of 18 and 25 with disability, who display outstanding For FET Colleges, Universities of Technology
Technology and
and Universities
Universities (both private
private and
and public) who
potential in their studies/workplaces and are poised to achieve great things in business demonstrate through their strategy and policy the creation of of inclusive
inclusive environments
environments for
students with disabilities
Mr Thabang Manamela
There are two winners in this category:
Thabang Manamela, who is blind, was the third best performing candidate from special schools in
2013. is currently studying towards his General Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Pretoria 1. University of Limpopo
where he also volunteers at the Centre for the Study of HIV and AIDS. 2. False Bay FET College
Entrepreneur Disability Award National Woman Achievement Disability Award
For an entrepreneur with a disability who has displayed outstanding personal
personal achievement
achievement in There
There were two winners
winners in
inthis
thiscategory:
category:
business 1. Ms Joyce Sibeko
There were two winners in this category: 2. Mrs Nomasonto Mazibuko
1. Ms Sebenzile Matsebula Life Time Achievement Disability Award
2. Adv. Jerry Nkeli There
There were five winners
winners in
inthis
thiscategory:
category:
National Champion Disability Award 1. Mr Mike du Toit
For persons
For persons without disabilities who have demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary
extraordinary personal
personal 2. Mr Shuaib Chalklen
commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. 3. Mr Lucas Magongwa
4. Ms Washiela Sait
There were two winners in this category: 5. Justice Zak Yacoob
6. Mr Jabulani Ngcobo
1. Judge Jody Kollapen Posthumous Disability Award
2. Mr. Raymond Ackerman
Ms Phindi Mavuso (posthumous)
Ms Phindi Mavuso (posthumous)
National Business Leader Disability Award
For
For persons
persons or
or groups
groups with
with disability
disabilitywho
who have
have displayed
displayed outstanding
outstandingpersonal
personalachievement
achievement in
in Ms Phindi Mavuso was born in Soweto on the 20 th of January 1961, and became one of the first
business/ownership and
business/ownership and who
who have
have advanced
advanced the cause of mainstreaming persons of disabilities victims at the hands of the police at the age of 17 during the 1976 Soweto Student Uprisings while
into the
into the workplace.
workplace. attending a funeral service of one of the students who was gunned down by the police.
There are two winners in this category: She joined the Soweto Self Help Association of Paraplegics (SHAP) in the 1980s and contributed
significantly to its growth. During this time she established the Amajuba Sports Club, an organisation
1. Self Help Association of Paraplegics (SHAP)
of persons with disabilities focusing on disability sport and wheelchair basketball in SA.
2. South African Disability Development Trust (SADDT)
National
National Company
Company Disability
Disability Award She was a member of NACTU Education Unit, and worked with organisations such as Azapo, UNICEF,
BUWA, NUPSW, SABMAWU and Disabled People SA until her untimely death.
For
For organisations
organisations which
which have demonstrated
demonstrated aa sustained
sustained and extraordinary
extraordinary commitment
commitment to to skills
skills
development
development and
and creating
creating workplace
workplace opportunities
opportunities for
for persons
persons with
with disabilities
disabilities within
within the
the said
said Winners were issued with trophies and the winner of the Young Leader Disability Award received an
targets
targets INSETA education bursary. An engagement process will commence in January 2015 with regards
revamping the National Disability Awards following calls from the sector, and it is envisaged that the
There were two winners in this category:
National Disability Awards will be ‘localised’ in 2015 with provincial awards preceding the national
1. MTN SA Foundation awards, that categories will be linked to development programmes and that more sponsors will be
2. MassMart brought on board.
Background National Higher Education Institution Award Background
INSETA initiated
For FET Colleges, the National
Universities Disability
of Technology Awards in
and Universities 2009,
(both focusing
private predominantly
and public) who on recognising disability service delivery excellence in the insurance industry
INSETA initiated the National Disability Awards in 2009, focusing predominantly on recognising
by issuing winners
demonstrate with
through certificates
their strategy and of recognition.
policy the creation ofThe 2014
inclusive National for
environments Disability Awards focused on highlighting the achievements and contributions of disability
disability service delivery excellence in the insurance industry by issuing winners with certificates of
students with disabilities
rights activists and organisations over the past 20 years of democracy, and it was therefore recognition.only logical
The 2014 thatDisability
National the majority of the on
Awards focused 2014 Awardthewinners
highlighting are and
achievements disability
rights veterans with disabilities.
There are two winners in this category: The former Department of Women, Children and contributions of disability rights activists and organisations over the past 20 years of democracy, and on
People with Disabilities became involved in 2012, working with INSETA
increasing the profile, broadening the categories, the target audience and the calibre oftherefore
it was awardonly winners.
logical that the majority of the 2014 Award winners are disability rights
1. University of Limpopo veterans with disabilities. The former Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities
2. False Bay FET College
IGNORANCE-TEACHING AUDIENCES ABOUT DISABILITY
became involved in 2012, working with INSETA on increasing the profile, broadening the categories,
National Woman Achievement Disability Award the target audience and the calibre of award winners.
There were two winners in this category:
A theatrical showcase called IGNORANCE brings on real life examples
1. Msthe
about Joyce Sibeko
ignorance that exist in society towards persons with disability.
2. Mrs Nomasonto Mazibuko
In an effort to teach audiences on the misconceptions, the dos and don’ts
of interacting with persons with
Life Time disabilities,
Achievement a Award
Disability performing arts productions
company African Tree Productions
There were five winners in this category: is targeting corporate audiences to watch
and learn simple sensitization processes in the work environment.
1.TheMrplay
Mike du Toit a graphic portrayal of challenges persons with disability face
gives
2. Mr Shuaib Chalklen
and the attitudes that a lot of people in society have towards disability. The
3. Mr Lucas Magongwa
portrayal of a paraplegic, a blind person and a case of an invisible disability
4. Ms Washiela Sait
is 5.well depicted by different cast members who give a vivid and emotional
Justice Zak Yacoob
picture
6. Mr of societal
Jabulani Ngcobomindsets that handle disability with apathy as well as sheer
ignorance. Posthumous Disability Award
The play wraps up with practical solutions that people in societies can
Ms Phindi
adopt Mavusoto(posthumous)
in order mainstream and view disability humanely without bias.
The play was produced
Ms Phindi Mavuso was born in Soweto by Thariyathebe and African
on the 20 th of January Tree
1961, and Productions.
became The
one of the first
direction
victims at was done
the hands by police
of the Alex atMotswiri, a South
the age of 17 during theAfrican actorStudent
1976 Soweto best Uprisings
known while
for his
starring
attendingrole as John
a funeral service in an ofepisode
of one of who
the students the was
e.tvgunned
anthology
down by drama
the police.series eKasi:
Our Stories entitled “Not In My House” (Season 5, Episode 2), in 2013.
The cast includes Zuki Nzo, a disability ambassador and mainstreaming
trainer who uses a wheelchair in real life.
For bookings for your organization, please email
thariyathebe@gmail.comYou can also read
