Our disabilities are a part of who we are – disability rights activist

The topic that is being raised once more as the country observes Disability Rights Awareness Month from November 3 to December 3 is… how can we promote the rights of such individuals and guarantee that people with disabilities are properly incorporated into all aspects of society?

A statement by Keotshepile wa Mogotsi from Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) who quoted the late disability rights activist Mokutu Moeketsi further reads, “Can people with disabilities ever have a realistic hope that one day they will reap the whole gamut of our democratic pledge in the same way that it is for other members of society?”

According to Keotshepile, Mokutu’s struggle to advance the rights of people with disabilities was pivotal in securing disability rights protection for people with disabilities on the West Rand and helped shape the disability rights enforcement work that Mogale City’s Disability Desk does today.

“He was a tireless disability activist who refused to accept a life of isolation and exclusion – the reality faced by many people with disabilities when he was growing up.”

Mokutu was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and always advised people not to feel sorry for him.

“A reminder that our disabilities are not a hindrance – they’re part of who we are,” he said.

Because of his personal experiences, he advocated for a society where disabled people are treated as equals and afforded full inclusion and participation in society.

“He preached that equality for people with disabilities must become a lived reality to enable a societal shift that will ensure people with disabilities fully contribute to the country’s socioeconomic growth and development.”

A month-long campaign will raise awareness of the harmful effects associated with stigmatisation, prejudice, and stereotyping of persons with disabilities.
According to the government, the month’s programme offers an opportunity for all to remove barriers and strive for improvement in the quality of life of people with disabilities through practical actions.

The Mogale City Social Development Division, under the umbrella of the Community Development Services department, together with the Mogale City Disability Forum plans an international day of celebration of people with disabilities.

“For Mogale City, Mokutu’s legacy lives on in the change that he helped to create, and he will be remembered long into the future for his role in shifting our vision for people with disabilities to one of empowerment and equality.”