Disablity campaign still needs support
Assist Wheels of Change to renovate four toilets or donate a motorised wheelchair.
The non-profit organisation, Wheels of Change, held a wheelchair disability awareness campaign called ‘Challenge the challenged’ on Saturday, November 19 at BKS Eatery in Vosloorus.
People in wheelchairs demonstrated to people without disabilities how a wheelchair is used and what the challenges of using them are.
According to Thami Mankenkeza, the event organiser and founder of Wheels of Change, the event went very well.
“We believe we have sent our message across on the importance of having wheelchair-friendly environments. We have managed to touch hearts and souls and made people with disabilities feel special for a change. The community members and businesses who attended were supportive.
“We managed to donate 10 pairs of crutches to disabled people from Vosloorus organisations, handed out foods parcels and issued certificates to all participants of the race.
“We hope the Social Welfare Department and the ward councillor will be available for the next event, as we wanted to hand over a proposal outlining the needs of people with disabilities,
“Thanks to all our sponsors who helped make the day a success: Damane Attorney, Asakhe Events, BKS Eatery, Choc Auto Salvage, Fisto’s Lounge, Simelane Traders and Botash Pty Ltd,” said Mankenkeza.
However, Mankenkeza believes more could have been done on the day.
“We regret that we didn’t receive enough support to be able to do four toilet extensions for people in wheelchairs.
“We were also unable to donate a motorised chair to Jabulani Tshabalala, who needs it desperately.”
Mankenkeza said they are planning to make this an annual event every November as it is Disability Month. They are also planning to include additional activities in future events.
Vincent Mahlangu, the co-founder of Wheels of Change, said, “We hope the government will assist in having a home and a centre up and running for people living with disabilities in Vosloorus, and that it will roll out the project to other townships. This will give hope to people living with disabilities and provide activities that will help them keep busy, instead of isolating themselves and sitting at home.
“This will also give people with disabilities an opportunity to further their studies and a chance of gaining skills, participate in the economy, and reduce their reliance on the grant system and empower other people with disabilities to be independent,” said Mahlangu.
Mahlangu added that the home would also assist people with disabilities who have no control over their grant money and are abused by family members for their own gain.
Mahlangu concluded by saying they have proposed that Ebenezer, an old government crèche building in Moagi Street next to Polly Clinic, be used as a home and centre.
Eric Xayiya from the Office of the Premier and his family also attended the event.
Anyone who is willing to assist Wheels of Change with making renovations to the four toilets or donating a motorised wheelchair can contact Thami Mankenkeza on 071 825 8070 or Vincent Mahlangu on 072 845 1392.
