Fourways mother, a zestful Casual Day ambassador

In this role she will raise awareness for women with disabilities during Women’s Month.

Celeste Vinassa, Casual Day project leader said, “Whatever issues affect women in general, women with disabilities are also affected – be it violence, lack of employment, discrimination, lack of access to education, housing and opportunities.”

She said it was therefore important for those at Casual Day to raise awareness of the triumphs and stories of the survival of women with disabilities. Vinassa said that Casual Day is a huge community of people united to create a barrier-free society where all women are afforded respect and dignity.

Born and raised in a small township outside Bronkhorstspruit called Ekangala, Matlala has developed a passion for skills development and working with children with disabilities. Despite having a disability caused by a stray bullet when she was 15, leaving her a paraplegic, she overcame many of life’s struggles.

Throughout her career, Matlala has been involved in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and championing their cause at company, national and international level.

She believes in finding and unleashing talent and potential, even where there is no hope.

Through her contributions to the disabled community, she received a Tributes Award which honours women with disabilities. She was also given the prestigious Barloworld CEO Award which honours employees who have gone beyond the call of duty.

Vinassa added, “Our ambassadors are persons who have a disability, they speak from experience and knowledge about having a disability.”

Casual Day is South Africa’s most successful fundraising project for persons with disabilities and is on 5 September. The theme is Bring out the Bling.

Details: www.casualday.co.za; www.facebook.com/casualdaySA