Wheelchair-bound activist vows to combat gender-based violence

“Even though I am in a wheelchair, I must be the first one to say no to the abuse of women, children, and those who are in wheelchairs like me,” said Luyanda Veleko, a newly recruited ambassador for the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador programme.

Mr Veleko, a member of the Vuk’uhambe Disabled Organisation, shared his story at Heideveld Primary School on Monday, September 8, where he joined hundreds of committed individuals united in the fight against GBV.

He spoke openly about the challenges faced by people living with disabilities, who, he said, are often insulted, assaulted, neglected, and left to fend for themselves — “another form of gender-based violence.”

Reflecting on his childhood, he recalled witnessing abuse and cruelty, experiences that shaped his determination to preserve the dignity of the vulnerable. “Sad things have happened to many of us. People are abused. It is now up to us to say enough is enough. My role as a man in a wheelchair is to visit homes and spread the message. We must preserve the dignity of everyone, irrespective of our conditions.”

He called on men to take on a more active role in the battle against GBV. “We need to say ‘not in my name’ in the truest sense of the word. We ought to be vocal and recruit more men to join the ambassadors. GBV cannot continue while we watch and fold our arms,” he said, urging men to speak out. .

Mr Veleko is one of 134 volunteers across the Cape Metro who have joined the ambassador programme to boost awareness efforts and support survivors of abuse and domestic violence.

Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, praised the ambassadors and Mr Veleko’s commitment. “He takes the fight against gender-based violence seriously. This is such an inspiration. If you could do it, what stops others from joining and fighting? I am touched and impressed with his dedication to this cause.”