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Scores of disabled people in ward 37 gathered at Zolani Centre in Nyanga on Friday 7 November to celebrate Disability Month. The event was organised by ward councillor Luyanda Nyingwa, Nyanga police, subcouncil 14 and staff from Nyanga clinic.
Nyingwa said the aim is to empower and educate disabled residents about their rights. “We want to embrace all people living with disability in our area and ensure they are accommodated, respected and part of activities in our communities,” said Nyingwa. He said the City of Cape Town is prioritising the needs of disabled people. “The money that we used to organised this event is part of the ward allocation budget. We want to boost their self-esteem and give back their dignity. We don’t want them to feel as if they are marginalised by society,” he said. He hopes this would become an annual event. The attendees received backpacks after the event.
Nyanga police spokesperson Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi encouraged them to report ill-treatment. She said they also spoke to the group about domestic violence and rape. “As a station we are prioritising disabled people. We encourage them to always have someone with them when they are going around to avoid becoming targets,” said Sitshitshi.
Disabled resident Lonwabo Mbambisa said the event was educational. “I’m glad we got recognition because in most cases we are not recognised. We also got a platform where we are abled to share our challenges,” he said.
