The notion, disability is not an inability is a mantra lived by an Alexandra youth who hopes to rub it onto others struggling with physical limitations.
Despite a polio-induced limp, Moeketsi Pompa Pompa Setlhake does not let his condition hamper his life, lofty goals and altruism for others. “It’s no use to wallow in misery. At first and as a child, it is difficult and terrible to be teased, discriminated against and demeaned by others.
“But with a positive attitude and with age, you ward off the detraction and are able to pursue your aspiration.”
Setlhake lived this experience with school mates and buddies in Alex where he grew up and they embraced him in the end. “It is in the nature of children when they aren’t properly guided on how to relate with others unlike them but they learn to accommodate and love in the process.”
Setlhake said this after the recent launch of Ithabeleng Organisation for the Disabled which he founded a year ago. He urged government and development organisations to create an enabling environment to integrate the disabled into society. “Ramps are a must to ensure our easy access to services at public offices and local shopping malls.”
He decried the difficulties faced by the disabled in accessing toilets at local malls, taxis that speed past disabled commuters to avoid inconvenience and time wasted when they board and Toyota Avanza taxis he said are too small to accommodate commuters with
wheelchairs. “The entire society should be re-structured to include our needs.”
Slim of built, affable, confident and daring, he is also a DJ on a mission to creating a critical mass to changing their plight. He has acquired start-up support from Northcliff Rotary Club which provides wheelchairs to organisation members. “It improves our mobility and independence but should find in a place, an enabling environment in the public service,” he said invoking for government, the adage ‘charity begins at home’.
He implored relevant departments to be staffed with more disabled people who know, understand and are emotionally attached to their intricate needs. “This will ease the general discrimination we still face from policy to resourcing and implementation.”
He called for the inclusion of Sign Language in daily public service and in the school curriculum before the planned introduction of Swahili language. “Deaf people will start attending public meetings when they feel included. Grants for those with albinism should be standardised to R1 700 for all age groups from the R400 given to children. Also, creams for their skin should be provided at all clinics.”
He urged for close and regular consultative meetings of disabled groups with government and development agencies. The organisation is planning a campaign in March to highlight a range of concerns including awareness on their high unemployment, attitudinal change and safety particularly for those with albinism who fear to venture far from home.
Setlhake thanked the Alexandra Police Station Commander, Brigadier Lindiwe Magudulela for considering their request for Sign Language services at the station. “Councillors should ensure the same at public meetings and similarly nurses at clinics and the banks.” He encouraged parents with disabled children to also let them out into the public rather than hide them. “It slows their growth, development and stunts their potential to the nation.”
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