Joseph Machweu lives to serve others
After the shooting, Joseph was confined to a wheelchair and is a quadriplegic, meaning he cannot use all four limbs.
Joseph Machweu’s life could have ended the day he was shot while on his way to work 14 years ago.
In some ways it did, but in other ways, it was the start of a different kind of life for him.
After the shooting, Joseph was confined to a wheelchair and is a quadriplegic, meaning he cannot use all four limbs.
Joseph, who lives at the Impumelelo Self-Help Centre in Pollak Park, has managed to turn his life around and aims to help others like him have a better quality of life.
“I work with the QuadPara Association of South Africa under their Know your Rights campaign to help disabled people be better informed of their rights and how to access information, services and equipment they need.
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“I also support those who are newly disabled adjust to their new way of life,” said Joseph.
This includes things like how to operate a wheelchair and how to use everyday services or equipment.
In 2016, Joseph formed part of the group that tested the accessibility of the Gautrain for people with disabilities.
Part of the advocacy work includes helping disabled people find work.
“If a person can still think for themselves and do some work, they need to be given a chance to be employed. We lobby by all means to make sure that all are employed so that they can have an income.
“Believe me, it’s hard to be disabled. For 14 years I’ve been surviving through the disability grant and the support of my siblings.
“I felt somehow that I was robbing the future of my siblings’ children because they have to support my needs,” said Joseph.
One of the things Joseph has done to support himself is through painting and motivational speaking.
He taught himself how to paint after he became paralysed and holds the paintbrush with his mouth.
Joseph’s art, which is mostly natural landscapes and animals, is inspired by the world around him.
“It can get a bit expensive since I need to buy paint and other equipment, but it’s something I really enjoy doing,” said Joseph.
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Alongside his advocacy work and his art, Joseph also forms part of the management committee that runs the Impumelelo Self-Help Centre.
“We run the centre through donations and are constantly fund-raising, although this year has been different because of Covid-19. As the committee, we all have different strengths and use that to our advantage.
“We welcome new members and it only costs R20 a year to join. If you’re disabled, you can automatically become a member,” said Joseph.
To get in touch with Joseph, contact him on 074 225 0494 or send an email to josephmachweu76@gmail.com.
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