SEDIBENG.- With Casual Day around the corner, Caxton Media has launched a campaign to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with Disabilities.
Casual Day is the annual fundraising campaign of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). Already launched, the campaign runs until September 1, which is Casual Day. The theme of Casual Day 2023 is #ShareASmile with Persons with Disabilities.
“This theme aims to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with disabilities in South Africa,” says NCPD national director Therina Wentzel.
“A smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully, uncontrollable proportions.”
Sedibeng Ster looks at the life of one of the disabled and selfless individuals in our community, Johnny Makgalemele from Sharpeville who despite his physical disability has played an important role in the local community, especially in sports.
Like any other family, Makgalemele’s family was delighted when he was born as there was nothing wrong with him. It is at the ages between 4 and 5 that he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB), but before the right diagnosis, he had been wrongly diagnosed at a local hospital and given a wrong injection that left his left arm and leg paralysed.
In a heart-to-heart interview with Sedibeng Ster, Makgalemele said that despite his condition, and facing many challenges, he was able to do a lot of things growing up. Makgalemele overcame many challenges, including those that are physical and emotional.
“I can do everything that normal people can do, and I can play a number of sports code because I don’t regard myself as a disabled person. I want to bring hope and happiness to those who have lost hope because of their condition/s. I also want to bring hope to those kids who have lost hope because of their situation/s. People do not have to feel sorry for me, I am able,” said Makgalemele.
Makgalemele can run, swim, and play volleyball and tennis which is his first love.
No one can question Makgalemele’s dedication and commitment to his community, in particular the youth as he teaches them tennis every weekend.
Apart from his full-time job, Makgalemele is also involved in the development of other sports. When asked what motivated him to pursue sport despite his condition, Makgalemele said that growing up in a Christian family taught him to depend on God and trust Him, and that this brings confidence in himself.
Makgalemele said that he always stays positive, and doesn’t expect people to feel shame for him because of his condition.
In support of Casual Day, individuals and organizations are encouraged to purchase Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1, and to wear them with pride on the day.
Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where purchases can be made, or to order personalised stickers.
