Supporting mothers of children with disabilities

National Women’s Day might have come and gone but Women’s Month celebrations are still going strong in Kagiso.

At Chief Mogale Hall on August 12, the Nomfundo Zondo Foundation hosted an event to commemorate Women’s Month by inviting women who are mothers of children with disabilities from all over Kagiso. The aim was to create awareness of the challenges they face as they try to navigate life while also having to look after their children with special needs.

The foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Kagiso that provides sustainable development, stimulation, and a caring environment to mentally and physically disabled children to enhance their quality of life.

According to the founder of the foundation, Nomfundo Zondo, parenting a child with special needs is not easy in South Africa, especially in rural areas as many women have to deal with so much stigma and judgment that comes with that.

“Women in South Africa deal with enough challenges such as unemployment, income inequality, and gender-based violence. When a woman now has to take care of their child who needs special care it can be quite challenging as children with special needs, need extra attention. However, we as the foundation want to make it clear to the women at the event that they are not alone.”

The event was attended by over 50 women who were given a space to express themselves on their challenges. They were then advised on how they can deal with them.

“Having to listen to all the women here and being given a chance to be heard was encouraging,” said Elize Mapula Manakoe, who was among the women who attended.

Zondo also added how important it is to be considerate of women who have to take care of women with disabilities.

“As amazing and resilient as women are we must be aware that we play the role of two parents, we must remember that we can not do it on our own.”

To show your support you can contact them on 064 956 8510.