Inspirational youth conquer disabilities

“ONE thing I would request of the community is to look at the person behind the disability. Most of the time, the disability is all people see, and they forget about the person behind it.” These are the words of Ziyanda Phakathi, a founding member of the new non-profit organisation (NPO), Intuba Yethu, which means, ‘our opportunity’.

The NPO, based at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium, was created by a group of local youth who wanted to provide a platform for those living with disabilities. They hope to tackle imbalances in the community and ensure those with disabilities are heard and seen for all they are.

The NPO launch was held at Glenridge Church in central Durban recently.

Phakathi, like many members of Intuba Yethu, lives with a disability. He is partially sighted, with 30% vision in one of his eyes and no vision in the other.

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“This organisation was founded by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. We realised as young people that there are some inconsistencies in society. We are not being accommodated, we are just being tolerated. We hope to fight these difficulties we are facing, whether it is in school or the workplace. Most of all, we are here to educate the public about different types of disabilities and how to deal with them. People sometimes stare at those with disabilities and it’s often just that they are uneducated. That’s why we created a platform for people with disabilities to say that we are here and want to be part of the solution,” said Phakathi.

For him, the solution is often a simple one.

“When you approach a person with a disability, don’t be conscious that they are different. Approach them in the same manner you’d approach anyone else. We are trying to create a balance where we see imbalances,” he said.

Emmanuel Dlamini, one of the directors for Intuba Yethu, travelled from Pietermaritzburg to attend the launch. He said Intuba Yethu will help to connect those living with disabilities with services providers and institutions that can assist them.

“We are going to be launching an outreach programme to assist those living with disabilities. We will help them to access different venues that are available to people living with disabilities,” he said.

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Dlamini, who uses a wheelchair, was involved in a car accident in 2007 and suffered a spinal injury.

“What I want people to know is that we are humans like everyone else and just want to be treated the same way. You shouldn’t fear someone just because they are in a wheelchair, or if they use a cane to find their direction,” added Dlamini.

To find out more about this inspiring NPO, contact 060 669 4411, email info@intubayethu.org or visit the website at www.intubayethu.org. The NPO can also be found on Facebook and Instagram under the handle, Intuba Yethu.

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