Eighteen-year-old Silomuzi Ngubane, from Roodekrans, is not allowing his disability to define his ability to make a difference in society.
This youngster, better known as Silo, has earned an opportunity to be an ambassador for Nappy Run, an annual campaign organised by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) that runs from 3 October to 3 December, concluding on International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Nappy Run raises awareness about the issues facing children with disabilities, advocates and lobbies for their rights, and also raises funds to buy nappies for these children. The highlight of the campaign is a 5km fun run at the Johannesburg Zoo on the first Saturday of November each year, coinciding with National Children’s Day. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, 2 November.
Silo, the youngest sibling of three, has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement, muscle tone and posture. He uses a wheelchair and has limited movement of his left arm.
He notes the value of being an ambassador because he loves helping other people with disabilities. “Nappy Run is important because it creates awareness about people with disabilities and the basic needs that they have,” he said.
“The fun run also affords people who do not have a disability the chance to interact with people with disabilities, and enjoy a day of fun while doing something worthwhile,” he added.
Silo, who is happy to lend his voice to the campaign, said he enjoys the support of his family and friends. He also dreams of being a public speaker and is motivated by helping people.
Apart from his dream, he has found himself a new sport he thoroughly enjoys. He has taken up a game called ‘boccia’, a precision ball-sport similar to bocce, which requires the use of a wheelchair, and is getting good at it.
He also enjoys the experience of flying, and loves travelling to Cape Town by plane. He loves sharing news and views on social media too – especially to his impressive Twitter fanbase.
“Being a Nappy Run ambassador is a very special feeling. I can be part of something that reaches out to a lot of people,” he reflected.
Follow Silo on Twitter: @uSilomuzi. For more information about Nappy Run, visit https://www.nappyrun.org.za.
