Nyanga event puts disability in focus

While South Africa has progressive laws to ensure the inclusion of people living with disabilities, many disabled children in Nyanga are being discriminated against and being locked indoors.

This is according to the organisation, Vukuzenzele Nyanga Physical, which partnered with the University of the Western Cape’s sport and culture department to host a fun day at the Nyanga multipurpose field last Thursday.

Michael Mtandana, chairperson of the organisation said access to education, sporting facilities, public transport and public facilities remained a challenge for people with disabilities.

"Everyone who lives with a disability can identify with this,” he said.

Mr Mtandana encouraged people living with disabilities to speak out on the issues affecting them and to unite in their cause. “We need to emphasise the fact that we should be recognised by all. We are on the verge of talking to the mall management, the taxis and even the City of Cape Town,” he said.

Malusi Xego told Vukani that disability awareness needed to be raised - particularly in Nyanga.

“We still have children who are not allowed to go outside simply because they are disabled,” he said.

“We are here today to bring awareness and to introduce ourselves to different sport activities. We can safely say as much as we are disable but we cannot do everything in sports, but we can do most of them. We are so proud to be here and play sports. We want to challenge the communities to stop undermining us together with authorities.”

Vice-chairperson of the group, Sechaba Lerotoli, called on people to contribute to breaking the stigma around disability.

“The stigma is rife especially in Nyanga. We have to deal with that every day. People should know that we are just like them. Let us please stop the stigma,” he said