RISENSHINE DREAMATTORNEYCHASES beyond disability INSPIRED | INFORMED | INDEPENDENT | INVINCIBLE MY CHILD AND AUTISM, YALONDEMEETNKOSI JOHN DEVELOPMENTREMEMBEREDBOKWEKNOXINCLUSIVEPOLICYDISCUSSED
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2 www.risenshine.org.za IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS Palsy. This is a birth.shortlyatthatconditionoccursbirthorafter 18 10 12 14 Letter from the editor 4 Meet the Team 6 Foreword 8 People with disabilities during lockdown 10 Who is John Knox Bokwe? 12 Mom shares her struggles of raising an autistic child 14 Summary Report on TB Day Commemoration 16 Cover Story: Cerebral palsy couldn’t deter this attorney 18 Hearing loss can’t slow her 20 Relationships 22 OBC Papasha Media 24 DPSA : Disabled People Organisation 25
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*TransformSA has #ServedLikeMadiba by donating this page tothe Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
What mean#ServeLikeMadibadoestoyou?
To us, it means doing what we can to give children a fighting chance to live out their dreams.
#ServelikeMadiba by donating today to support our hospital.
For more information visit
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Children have unique healthcare needs. Our state-of-the-art equipment including diagnostic imaging ensures that they are adequately looked after. Your donations support innovation at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and ensures that children have access to technology that is cut above the rest.
4 www.risenshine.org.za NOTEEDITOR’S LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
A lthough South Africa was ranked one of the top countries to drive inclusion and diversity, many people in the country remain excluded. Some underprivileged communities face daily biases and rejections based on their appearances, etc. Despite our constitutionally enshrined rights, people are still treated differently for their sexuality, gender identity, body shape, appearance, disabilities, and It’sabilities.timefor us to put people at the forefront and showcase the true meaning of inclusivity by recognising that although we are all different, we are all human. At the heart of what makes us human lies a strong need to belong, to be recognised and valued, to be seen and heard, to be welcomed and embraced into the fold of humanity, whatever our colour, creed, gender identity, body shape, ability or disability may be. Inclusiveness isn’t just a constitutional obligation or a social and moral duty but a joy. Because when we break down barriers, shatter boundaries, and remove the obstacles in our way, we make the circle of inclusion bigger. And by doing that, we sow the seeds for a brighter, happier tomorrow. When we speak of inclusion, we speak of the diverse and underrepresented. We speak of all the millions of people who deserve to be acknowledged, recognised, embraced, welcomed, and included in our hopes and dreams and our plans for the best of all possible Lastly,tomorrow.Iwould like to thank South African Disability Development Trust (SADDT) for offering us wheelchairs here in the Eastern Cape. We are grateful for your help. It means a lot to us. You lifted our spirits. We are privileged to have an organisation like yours. Cuma Bokwe Editor, Rise ‘N Shine
amoralaobligationconstitutionalisn’tInclusivenessjustaorsocialanddutybutjoy.
Door of Hope are on a mission to break the cycle of povert y and abandonment for thousands o f children in our land. The great Nelson Mandela said: we m ake i n the ever yday l ives o f children.” Door o f Hope a re m ak ing company can b e a part o f maki ng t hat Find out more at ww w.doorofhop e. co.z a or email: info@doorofhope.co.za
Bringing Children Home. Building People of Charact er. Bridging a Better World.
SBULELO NTSANGANI N 076 737 6395 Sbulelo has spent most of her life giving back to the community of people with special needs. She was part of the task team that was assigned with organising and launching two disability-friendly clinics in the Eastern Cape. This was a national programme piloted at Buffalo City Municipality with clinics in Cambridge and Berlin. She has qualifications from East London College where she acquired Computer Skills, and then later in enrolled at SETA where she studied Financial & Project Management. She is currently the Marketing Manager of Rise ‘N Shine Disability Magazine.
BOKWE N 072 964 3669
TEAMCUMA
NONKOSI VUSANI N 073 135 8871 Nonkosi Vusani is an outspoken and passionate mother of two. She is the current Administrator for Rise ‘N Shine Disability Magazine. She studied Financial and Project Management at HDPSA Training College. Later the same year she enrolled at BusinessEntrepreneurialSchoolto study Entrepreneurship. She was born in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape. She was also involved with Disabled Women South Africa (DWSA) as a Receptionist and Administrator.
NOKUTHULA TSAWU N 084 745 9944 Nokuthula Tsawu is a hard working mother of one and the senior Journalist for Rise ‘N Shine Disability Magazine. She has worked for Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) as a Provincial HIV/Aids Field Officer. She studied Communications and Computer Skills at the Academy of Learning. Nokuthula is competent in Personal Growth & Counselling and also interpreting sign language.
6 www.risenshine.org.za BEHIND THE MEETSCENESTHE
Cuma Bokwe is a mother of two and the Project Manager of Rise ‘N Shine Disability Magazine. She is also the Chairperson of Disabled Women South Africa (DWSA). Chuma was born in Mdantsane, a township in the Eastern Cape. She studied a Secretarial Course and Office Administration at Border Technikon and Umtata Technical College respectively. She is a hands on and passionate leader who has worked in various departments of government. This includes the Eastern Cape Premier’s office where she worked as an Administrator, and the Department of Education as a Senior Personnel Officer for three years.
people with great communication and solid strategic skills. People who can lend a helping and speak in one voice. This will go a long way in whatever you attempt to accomplish but will also help uplift communities. My team is not sophisticated at all. They fit in and gel well with various communities. Whether rural or urban, persons with disabilities or no disabilities. They know that everyone must feel inspired by the work we are doing without any trace of Idiscrimination.ammarriedand a mother of two girls and two boys. What is essential and that I think I always do is to manage and balance my business life and my private life. As the founder and director of New Horizons Women and Children Support Centre, I do community development work. I serve as a Chairperson of the EasternCape Rural Women and as a member of the Amathole Rapid Response Team. All these organisations are about fighting Gender-Based Violence and empowering a woman. In all of these organisations, my core work is about promoting awareness of Gender-Based Violence and ensuring that community members, especially women and children, understand the role and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the fight against GBVF. It is also to encourage all women to break the silence. This initiative gives back the power and opportunities to communities to know and hold all stakeholders involved in the fight.
8 www.risenshine.org.za FOREWORD FOREWORD
I always believe that if I want to be an achiever, for each day I live, I should set a tangible goal that makes me feel good and confident. Each accomplishment pushes me to do more, and it also brings more energy to look for more work and help more women and children still living in the darkness who are still quiet about the violence they live with daily. Honestly speaking, when I am busy with some projects sometimes, there are so many obstacles, disappointments, and frustrations that I really feel tired in the end. Share your goals with them, which can help you get more done through their assistance without abandoning your Partnervision.with
It was once said, “Focus on making choices to lead your life that aligns with your core values in the most purposeful way possible.” –Ray T. Bennet.
9www.risenshine.org.za PUBLISHER’S DETAILS D I S A B I L I T Y M A G A Z I N E RISE N SHINE Acting Editor Cuma Bokwe Contact Detail Eastern Cape 2307 N.U. Mdantsane,1 5219 Tel: 043 760 5138 Fax: 086 204 7713 Email: cumab@risenshine.org.za Contact Detail Gauteng No 1 York Fax:Tel:KensingtonStreetB,Randburg01002318450866114478 Marketing Manager Sibulelo Ntsangani Treasurer Nokuthula Tsawu Admin Nonkosi Vusani Publishing Advisor Meth Jayiya Media Production Dumisani Hlatswayo Production Assistant Nqobile Zakwe Advertising Sales advertise@risenshine.org.za Editorial Enquiries sbulelo702@gmail.comcumab@risenshine.org.za General Enquiries Fax: 086 204 7713 Printer 010 0231 845 Terms & Conditions of use Disclaimer/ Rise ‘N Shine Magazine is a product of Rise ‘N Shine NPO. 1 York Street, Kensington B, Randburg, 2194. Rise ‘N Shine considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk. Rise ‘N Shine is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering a legal or advisory service. Although companies and contributors mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Rise ‘N Shine nor any of its employees, sales executives or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for such persons’ and companies’ activities. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted deemed valid if approval is in writing. Rise ‘N Shine buys all rights to contribution, text, images unless previously agreed to in writing. Stock images supplied by Shutterstock.com
During human rights month, SAMRC’s Gender and Health Research Unit (GHRU) held a webinar to shine a spotlight on the experiences of people with disabilities under the COVID-19 pandemic.
during
LOCKDOWNPEOPLE
T he event aptly titled, “What we know about People with Disabilities under the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa: How can we improve our response in times of crisis?”. According to an article published by SAMRC, the event was the fourth of the Forgotten Agenda webinar series that started in 2021. Its primary focus was on understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of young women with Welcomingdisabilities.theattendees,
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“The recommendations of the research study will assist in implementing state institutions in all spheres of government to adopt effective policy measures for safety and protection of persons with disabilities, to plan for and prioritise disability rights with
AWARENESS
to try and understand the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities in South Africa, she said her department, in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) in Southern Africa, has conducted a research study which has provided the much-needed analysis on how various interventions were provided by state institutions to try and promote safety and protection of persons with disabilities during the national state of disaster. The study also gave insight into how South Africa has complied with the requirements of the UN CRPD and Policy Briefs issued by the WHO and the UN with specific reference to disability.
webinar chair Ayanda Nzuza, who is also a Research Technologist at GHRU and Project Coordinator for the Forgotten Agenda, said that despite all efforts to ensure that people have equal opportunities to make the most of their lives, those with disabilities do not yet enjoy life on an equal basis with others in our societies. Nzuza cited that globally, reports have shown that disability-based inequalities have deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic – however, data and information on how people with disabilities experienced the pandemic are not widely available. “Often data collection on disability is an afterthought – hence a Forgotten Agenda, and today we want to share with you research with People with Disabilities under the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa,” said Nzuza, adding that the webinar would explore what is known and how we can improve our response in times of crisis.
Disability Inclusive Policy Development In her keynote address, Dr. Praveena Sukhraj-Ely, Chief Director: Governance and Compliance, RPD Branch at the Department for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), gave an update on the Disability Inclusive Policy Development. In the government’s efforts
during current and future humanitarian emergencies and national disasters,” she said, adding that the protection and safety of persons with disabilities during situations of risks, national disasters and humanitarian emergencies is a priority for the DWCPD and government. The research report was officially published and launched by the Minister for DWYPD on the 11th of October 2021 and it is currently being processed through various cabinet structures for consideration. How did South Africans with disabilities experience COVID-19? Dr. Tim Hart from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), presented the results of a study that sought to investigate how South Africans with disabilities experienced COVID-19.
The study, whose data was collected through a voluntary online survey with nearly 2,000 respondents, primarily looked at the socio-economic, well-being, and human rights related experiences of people with Accordingdisabilities.toDr.Hart, this was possibly one of the largest datasets on people with disabilities’ COVID-19 experiences in a single country. According to the study, people with disabilities experienced significant household shocks, with 76% experiencing difficulties paying for basic living expenses, 73% of those needing assistance experiencing interruptions, and many reporting interruptions in access to essential disability and rehabilitation Communicationservices.alsoremained one of the major challenges experienced by people with disabilities, who reported very little government intervention. “We found that communication about coronavirus and monthly meetings were inadequate for certain types of disabilities as most rely on television – captions not existent, SASL interpreters were not always visible. Hence there were language challenges,” said Hart, alerting that this confused intervention services Hartavailable.says the Disability Rights Disaster Framework is far from complete and must be completed urgently. He also raised concern over missing disability data. “While South Africa prides itself to have implemented a “Datadriven response to COVID 19, this lacks disability data,” he said, adding that 83% of the survey respondents feel that government should monitor circumstances during pandemics and ensure continuity of services and monitor rights protection. The study The longitudinal cohort study conducted between 2020-22 included 35 young women with and 37 without disabilities aged 18-26 who had completed grade 12 – first participants were recruited in the city of Durban through Universities, Colleges, and FET centres and peer-to-peer Therecruitment.studyshowed that the lockdown regulations impacted
Another key finding in this section was that only a few participants accessed mental health support; family, friends, religion, and self-motivation were support Profmechanisms.Hancockalso reported a decline in the use of SRH services during a hard lockdown, with some participants citing that they either didn’t see a need as they had limited contact with their partners or were anxious to utilize transport or clinics in fear of contracting COVID-19. Others said public clinics were not providing SRH as nurses focused on COVID-19, and SRH was not seen as essential. “We saw an uptake of SRH services after hardlockdown (2020) was lifted and SRHR services were recognized as essential,” said HanassHancock, adding that women with disabilities often accessed services with a family member or friend to overcome barriers.
young women’s life trajectory, with many experiencing difficulties attending to their studies and juggling child care, studying, and housework. Most participants supported their families with a student, disability, or child grants.
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The recommendations of the research study will assist in implementing state institutions in all spheres of government to adopt effective policy measures for safety and protection of persons with disabilities.
The overwhelming part of the cohort (80%) showed depressive symptoms, with women without disabilities sharing experiences of mixed emotions during the hard lockdown in 2020 – happy, sad, or dedicated/motivated, while those with disabilities shared overwhelmingly sad feelings.
AWARENESS
Who
Human Rights Day in South Africa is linked to March 21, 1960, when at least 180 black Africans were injured, and 69 killed when South African police opened fire on approximately 300 demonstrators who were protesting against the passed laws, at the township of Sharpeville, near Vereeniging in the Gauteng.
Photo taken https://www.johnknoxbokwe.com/from
JOHN
A nother person was shot in similar demonstrations at the police station in Vanderbijlpark Later that day at Langa, a township outside Cape Town, police batoncharged and fired tear gas at the gathered protesters, shooting three and injuring several others. Within the context of the Eastern Cape, on March 21, 1985, police opened fire on protesters at Maduna Street at Langa Township in Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, where 20 people were killed while others were injured arrested. This significant historical event is located within the broader Human Rights Day Programme to remember and acknowledge all South Africans who fell in the struggle for liberation and whose state security agents violated human rights.
12 www.risenshine.org.za ICON
Provincial Human Rights Day is thus commemorated at Dikeni in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality on March 21, 2022. This day was dedicated to the life and legacy of Reverend John Knox Bokwe, an early modern African intellectual South African journalist and Presbyterian is BOKWE?KNOX
Provincial Human Rights Month was commemorated by hosting a series of activities throughout the Province in March 2022, culminating in hosting Provincial Human Rights Day on March 21, 2022. In his address during the January 08 Statement at Limpopo on January 08, 2022, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa pronounced that the nation would commemorate the centenary of the passing away of Rev John Knox Bokwe this year. Rev Bokwe passed away on February 22, 1922. It is against this backdrop that the Rev John Knox Bokwe Foundation wrote to the Office of the Premier and requested that the Provincial Government should commemorate the centenary on February 22, 2022.
13www.risenshine.org.za ICON minister, who championed the importance of education as a human right, and one of the most celebrated Xhosa hymn writers and Johnmusicians.KnoxBokwe was born in Ntselamanzi, Dikeni, near Lovedale, Eastern Cape Province, on March 15, 1855, and was the youngest child of Cholwephi and Lena Bokwe. His father was one of the first students to be enrolled at the Lovedale Mission school, while his mother was the daughter of Ax, one of the first converts of Ntsikana. In 1870 he helped print and produced Indaba, a Xhosa newspaper produced at Lovedale.
When, in 1874, Lovedale obtained its postal service, Bokwe was appointed manager and later became head of the telegraph office. He also became conductor of the mission’s brass band. In 1875 Bokwe started to compose hymns. His collected compositions were produced in book form in 1885. As an established writer, he joined John Tengo Jabavu in producing the newspaper Imvo Zabantsundu (“African Opinion”) in Quince. in 1906, he was ordained as a minister of the United Free Church. When Reverend Bokwe first arrived at Ugie, the district had no school for either black or white. At first, he opened a school for children in the town with no government grant. He then went out into the outlying areas, opening schools and churches. In 1906, through his efforts, the town of Ugie built its first European school. In 1875, Bokwe started composeto hymns. His in book form in 1885. After the passing away of Rev Dr. James Stewart in 1905, Rev Bokwe participated in a plan to establish a college for African students as an offshoot of Lovedale. As an agent for education as a basic human right, Reverend Bokwe was in 1906 appointed as a member of a committee of intellectuals that mooted and planned for the establishment of a university for Africans in the Eastern Cape. The South African Native College, later renamed the University of Fort Hare, came into being in 1916 due to that noble initiative. Fort Hare has since produced several internationally recognized leaders. His last years were spent helping Dr. Henderson, Lovedale’s principal, translate the metrical psalms into Xhosa. He died at his home at Ntselamanzi, near Lovedale, on February 22, 1922. He was buried in the Gaga Cemetery, alongside other missionaries associated with Lovedale. 2022 thus marks 100 years since the passing away of Reverend Bokwe. The plan was to utilise Reverend Bokwe’s rich history and legacy to promote nation-building, unity, peace, reconciliation, social justice, diplomacy, and social cohesion. March was thus an appropriate month to celebrate his life and legacy as he was incidentally born on March 15, 1855. The platform was to be utilised for communicating the planned hosting of Human Rights Day at the Ngumbela Cricket Grounds, Ntselamanzi, on March 21, 2022 and was dedicated to the life and legacy of Rev John Knox Bokwe. predetermined destination,” he concluded.
werecompositionscollectedproduced
Photo taken https://www.johnknoxbokwe.com/from
olande Nkosi is a proud mom to a child with Autism. Today her son, JR Nkosi is a selftaught pianist. JR’s story is one of many that seeks to change the prevailing attitude and stereotypes that relegate Autistic individuals to the general diagnosis of mental retardation. In most cases, there are things children with Autism find very difficult. For instance, bathing, brushing their hair and changing their clothes. So quite often their clothes are grubby, other their hair may not be brushed properly.
14 www.risenshine.org.za Challenges
made a difference in society by displaying that people with Autism can chase their passion and interests just as fervently, sometimes even more, as neurotypicals do,” Yolande added.
Yolande said her son often fails simple theory tests and behaves like a 4-year-old but has shown remarkable ability rather than disability. Yet, many children like JR are not supported and embraced by society. They are also often overlooked and eliminated on the grounds of living with Autism.
Y
“My dream is to see people living with Autism being accepted and understood,” said Yolande JR inspires both affected and non-affected communities as he shows the world that, even if he struggles to communicate, read and write, there is something that God has gifted him with. His 27-year-old sister also does motivational talks on the sibling perspective as most suffer in silence, not knowing what is wrong with their brothers and sisters. Over the last few years, Autism has emerged as a global public health concern. The number of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses has increased over the last decade, together with the demand for services (New Schaffer, 2003; Dymond). ASD is a neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each person has a different set of strengths and challenges.
Other than that, most children with Autism are healthy, gifted, and loving Yolandeindividuals.said JR struggles with communication. JR cannot read or write but can sing like an angel. He has Raising a child with an autistic can be lifechallenging. Yet, as a parent, you need to understand your child and make sure your child gets all the support and love the child deserves.
MOM SHARES her STRUGGLES of RAISING an AUTISTIC CHILD
“JR has performed at various Festivals like Macufe Homebrew, Mthiza Festival, Ncera Macademia, Motsepe Foundation Concerts
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It is the Lord. And because it is the Lord who allows these disabilities, these differences, He must have a reason. Don’t give up.
Berlin November, Mdantsane Jazz Festival, and Grahamstown National Arts, where he received an Ovation Award in 2019 for songs like Freshly Ground s Nomvula, Hotstix Mabuse, etc.”
You can’t know the course of autism spectrum disorder. Only God knows the future. Don’t jump to conclusions about what life will be like for your child. Each child has an exceptional talent, that’s what makes them special. Accept your child. Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what they are “missing,” practice acceptance.
“I took it upon myself to visit churches with my son who would render piano items, some of which he sings the best way he knows how and some we sing together. He plays all music genres (Jazz, R&B, Soul, Jazz, and Gospel).”
Challenges
My dream is to see people living understood.acceptedAutismwithbeingand In Exodus 4:11 the Lord asked Moses, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?”
Learn about Autism.
The more you are knowledgeable about Autism spectrum disorder, the better you’ll be at making informed decisions for your child.
“We composed and recorded a song titled “Conquering Autism,” as seen in the 2nd attachment. He was also nominated to appear on the Autism Awareness Advert, which continues to be flighted in most DSTV channels since 2019,” Yolande revealed.Fortunately, it’s possible to overcome the challenges of raising a child with Autism. Here are a few parenting tips “from Help Guide, a nonprofit for people with Autism.
end TB now! Commemoration TB
The Eastern Cape Province held a World TB Day commemoration on 19 April in Dimbaza, a small village in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCM). The event was a joint venture between the Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC) and the Department of Health (DoH). It was preceded by build-up programmes led by BCM the Department of Health, working together with development partners in providing essential health care services. The target groups were farm workers, auto motive sector workers, school children and PLHIV. to DAY
SUMMARY REPORT ON
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Stigma
Invest in action
O n the day of the event, the political heads, including the MEC (DoH) and the Deputy Executive Mayor of BCM attended. They first started at a local High School to hear about the health challenges that the learners face. They then visited two households of TB survivors, one who had completed their TB treatment and was cured, and the other who was still on treatment but feeling much better. The Chiefs from the House of Traditional Leaders were also in attendance, which is a big deal in rural communities to be visited by such high-profile leaders. Representatives from the development partners like TB/HIV Care, MATCH, FPD, Beyond Zero were also in attendance.
Services-on wheels were provided and included TB screening, STI screening, HIV testing, dental services, Pap smear, Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, and many others. Loud hailing was done all around the community, calling them to go and access the services brought closer to where they live, as per the Batho Pele Principle.
Stigma
The Provincial Civil Society Forum Co-Chairperson and Provincial TB ambassador gave a passionate speech about the importance of getting screened for TB should one have TB-like symptoms, getting on TB treatment and staying the course until completed so that they can get cured and also prevent spreading the infection to those close to them.
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Get screened. End Savestigma.lives.
COULDN’T DETER THIS
Nzuza was born in Umlazi, a township in southwest of Durban. He is an only child from his mother, allowing his mother to give him adequate care. However, things changed slightly when his mother had to leave Nzuza in his grandmother’s care. Suddenly he was no longer an
PALSYCEREBRALATTORNEY
www.risenshine.org.za18 COVER STORY
According to a report on children with disabilities by the Uhambo Foundation, South Africa has an abnormally high prevalence of cerebral palsy among children. At least 10 in 1,000 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy in South Africa.
L iving with cerebral palsy is a reality that many South African children have to face. While living with this condition can be challenging, some people have demonstrated that it’s still possible to succeed despite having it. All you need is determination, conviction, and a plan. Sabelo Percival Nzuza is one person who has defied the odds of cerebral palsy. Nzuza shared his incredible story with Rise N Shine: Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is usually caused by an injury to the brain before, during, or after birth, but there may be no apparent “Ireason.wasborn with Cerebral Palsy. This is a condition that occurs at birth or shortly after birth. There are various degrees of it, with mine largely characterised by the fact that I have muscular spasms in my limbs. My handwriting is therefore not the most legible, the tempo of my speech is slightly deterred, and the pace at which I walk is slower, with it often appearing as though I lack balance.”
I was born with
“This is all to say that a disability should not stand in one’s way. It is merely an obstacle that requires one to take a detour in their quest, and as far as possible, these lessons can assist any young person in achieving or at least following their dreams. We start a journey with the destination in mind, and whatever obstacles arrive along the way, those are what we try to remove to get to our destination,”predeterminedheconcluded.
birth.shortlyatthataPalsy.CerebralThisisconditionoccursbirthorafter
“One of the lessons I learned growing up as a person with a disability was that; whereas the world takes life from the outside-in, as a person with a disability, your world needs to exist from the inside-out! By this, I mean that you (as a person with a disability) need to know your capabilities and limitations as it all starts with you. This lesson is applicable in the planning stage as well as at every other stage of implementation of your plan,” he said. “You are the one who needs to formulate a plan for yourself, taking into consideration your capabilities or lack thereof. It all begins with you, but sadly, it does not end there.” attorney when his speech was unclear or how he would be able to even drive to a court. These questions were posed to Nzuza even though he has in everyday conversations with the world and despite the fact that it isn’t every attorney that attends court to deliver the case to the presiding officer. Knowing these two lessons, Nzuza believes, has made him the person he is today. Nzuza has been an attorney for the past seven years, largely working in companies in the corporate and commercial sphere of the law. “
“Thequipped.second lesson I learned was that the world does not owe you (us) an understanding.”
“When choosing my career, for example, at Grade 4 level, I had already narrowed my career aspirations down to being a doctor or a lawyer. It became apparent, however, that I would not be able to be a doctor due to the inability to control the precise use of my hands, and from there onwards, I was dead set on becoming an attorney. And the plan had been set in motion,” Nzuza
“While growing up at my grandmother’s house, I grew up with three of my cousins. We are all boys. This is all so important because it gave me a balanced perspective and created a contrast between the life I experienced at school, where I was mostly with fellow learners who also had disabilities,” he recalled vividly.
“And that even with this understanding of self, and a well-formulated plan; the world does not tend to motivate and in most instances. It discourages one from achieving their goals even when that first lesson is well complied with. One needs to be selfmotivated and as best as one can block the noise of discouragement from the outside claiming that whatever dream you may have for yourself is too big for you to follow or achieve,” he said. Nzuza was discouraged from achieving his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. He would often be quizzed on why he aspired to be an
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Nzuza has fond memories of playing with his cousins and other children. At home, Nzuza, his cousins, and other boys in the neighbourhood would ofter play soccer every afternoon, mostly after school. Nzuza said he loved playing as a goalkeeper, which was about the only position he could play out of my fear of getting hurt whilst playing infield. Being born with Cerebral Palsy meant that Nzuza had to attend a special needs school. Because his handwriting is not legible, Nzuza had to use an electronic typewriter to do all his written schoolwork. “My need for a typewriter meant I would not have been able to attend any mainstream school.”
only child. There were other three grandchildren that were competing for the gogo’s attention.
20 www.risenshine.org.za MY STORY
Hearing loss is one of the most challenging disabilities that adversely impacts one’s ability to communicate well.
The Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA), September is the month to commemorate deaf people, also known as International Month for Deaf People. DeafSA promotes awareness of the rights of Deaf persons in South Africa. The theme of the 2020 National Month of the Deaf is “Reaffirming Deaf People’s Human Rights” This year, DeafSA says they want all stakeholders and affiliates to unite in endorsement of the need to secure and promote the human rights of Deaf people Lydia Kram (23) was born and raised in a small town called Keiskammahoek known as Qoboqobo. She says she grew up with two siblings and other family members. Lydia did her pre-school at Douglass Ross Primary and went to St Thomas School for the Deaf in 2009, upon realising that she had a hearing “Iproblem.amadeaf young, beautiful and outgoing lady; also an active, respectful and hard-working learner. I am one of the learners who helped new teachers and new learners to adapt in the Deaf Communication. I am always eager to help teachers with Deaf Culture And Sign Language. I care about the needs of others and I had a specific girl who I looked after. I made sure the girl’s hair was taken care of,” she tells Rise N Shine.
SLOWCAN’TLOSSHEARING
T he outbreak of the Covid-19 virus has forced everyone to cover their faces, and has made communicating even more difficult for deaf people. Many people with hearing loss have to see the person’s face, or specifically their mouth, in order to understand everything that they are Accordingsaying.to
her DOWN
“Be confident and share that fact that you have hearing loss with the person you are speaking to if you feel comfortable. Remember that they are more likely to modify their speech, or try to help, if they know why you aren’t hearing them,” advises Hearing Clinic Of “I am a deaf young, beautiful and outgoing lady; also an active, respectful and hardworking learner.”
Lydia says she participated in extra-mural activities, and entered for various beauty pageants. She was crowned Miss Freshet, Miss Valentine, Miss St Thomas and Miss Deaf respectively. “I was and still am fashionable, wellgroomed and stylish. I am very friendly which is the reason why I made sure people feel comfortable and welcomed in a new environment. When I was born, my mother was very happy and she said I brought joy to her life and she always thanked God every day for the beautiful angel God had brought to her life,” Lydia reveals.
Acting up, pranks and just being naughty are usually normal and healthy phases of the development of every child. Lydia was no different. “Growing up I was very active and naughty. Also, I remember the other day when I was playing with my younger sister, Maizena and I put her under the tap and showered her. It was meant to be a joke but she was really hurt because she was cold all because of the cold water,” she reveals “As I started at Thomas High School I learned a lot from the school. I have learnt to be independent at a young age because I was in boarding school. Most importantly I’ve learned to be a respectful young lady. I have always had an interest in beauty pageants starting from a very young age and most of the pageants I have entered I have won,” she continues.
MY STORY
A report issued by The World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that at least 466 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. Of those people at least 34 million are children. According to WHO, 60% of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes. In South Africa about 7.5 percent of the school children suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss. Unfortunately, in our country, most deaf people (especially those living in rural areas) are still not getting all the help needed to hear the full
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22 www.risenshine.org.za RELATIONSHIPS
Her LOVER
“He called me after midnight on the 14th of March. We spoke on the phone until 2 am. He told me about him, and I told him about me. I knew he was the one I had been looking for all this time. We decided to start the relationship then and there,” Nomandla told Rise N Shine. During their relationship, Nomandla found the guy to be caring, understanding, loving, peacemaker, and respectful. He ticked all the boxes with those qualities. To top of it all, he is a hard worker. “As he is nice, he tends to attract more people, including ladies. And that will sometimes cause unnecessary fights because some people misunderstand him, but we overcame those unnecessary fights with communication. They became something we laugh about,” she said. “He also understands the person I am and that I am physically challenged, which we sometimes both forget, but he treats me like a queen, and I treat him like a king. I won’t lie and say we fight a lot. No, I will be lying. There is very less time for us to fight most of the time.”
“ We are enjoying each other’s company; when we met, I had one child, a daughter who was five years at the time. I never told my daughter how to call anyone in my life, but she just called him “Tata” the first time they met. She adores her stepdad so much that they have a solid relationship, Nomandla met her fiancé three years ago on the 13th of March 2018 on the dating site called Badoo. They exchanged numbers on the same day. is the WIPER of her TEARS
If I were to give my husband to be a new name, I was going to name him “Mosuli” as he is the wiper of my tears.
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making me the happiest woman in the Accordingrelationship.”toNomandla, the couple decided to cohabit, and her lover became the leader of the household. “He takes good care of us. We are a small happy family. He proposed to me on the 14th of October this year, and that day I was the happiest woman alive he sealed our relationship. I said yes because there is nothing more I can ask for in a man. God has blessed me with a complete package and an all-rounder. My daughter was also delighted when she heard the news that we were tying the knot with his father,” Nomandla said. The couple married on the 30th of April 2022 in their hometown, Ugie. Nomandla’s prayer is for God to bless her marriage with one child, a boy. “If I were to give my husband to be a new name, I was going to name him “Mosuli” as he is the wiper of my tears. Life was not a smooth ride for me. Life has its own up and downs, as we all know it, but I am smiling today as Mosuli came by to wipe all my tears, and I thank God every day for lending me such a loving partner.” “We are not only lovers at home; we are also business partners running Chinmaya in Ugie township. We are building our home and the business, and it’s not a difficult job because we love, understand, and respect each other,” she concluded.
RELATIONSHIPS
OBC PAPASHA MEDIA THE DEPARTMENT OBSERVES AWARENESS
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“Disabilityresolution.is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime” www.gov.za.
“I got injured and broke my left hip through the love I have for rugby. I was hospitalised for six (6) months. My hip was replaced by an artificial hip which I currently operate with it. Living with that condition has never made me to feel less of myself or stop chasing my dreams. I live a normal, happy and purposeful life” said Alfred Vumile Ndyebi, who is an employee of the department who lives with a Ndyebidisability.further said “Government Legislation and policies are in place in order to mitigate the challenges of people living with disabilities. I am thankful for that, there is access for wheelchairs in the In line with the National theme “The year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke-create and realise an inclusive society upholding rights of persons with disabilities” the department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Eastern Cape held various Disability Disclosure Awareness Campaign throughout all Regions under the theme “Generating increased level of understanding of disability culture, an abler for a barrier –free department and a disability inclusive society”.
A ccording to the South African Government (www.gov.za), the Disability Rights Awareness Month is held annually on the 3 November and 3 December, with the 3rd December declared as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and also a National Disability Rights Awareness Day.
This was to encourage departmental employees to disclose their disability statuses, to increase level of awareness amongst employees on disability and incidences of discrimination perpetuated against persons with disabilities and also to advocate for the provision of accessible information in alternative formats like Braille, sign language interpreter, electronic and audio formats, so as to comply with the department’s Employment Equality Committee
department however there are still other places that do not adhere to the policies.
GOD created man in his own image, let us love and respect one another”.
In encouraging everyone with a disability, Luleka Dweba, an Assistant Director at Contracts Management, had Polio at the age of 11 which left her paralysed on one leg. She now uses a calliper leg and a walking stick said. “To people living with disabilities, never look down on yourself. We can be anything we aspire in life. Let us make our voices heard. It is only us who knows our daily challenges, can make a change for the future generation and have it easy”.
MONTH
disability
“The rights of persons with disabilities are fundamental Human Rights entrenched in, and protected by the Constitution. They are thus indisputable from integral to, and indivisible from Human Rights Framework. Discrimination and abuse of person with disabilities is incompatible with the dignity and worth citizens. Hence as the department we conducted the awareness campaign” said Sityebi Mzananda, Assistant Director: Special Programmes Unit. rights
In trying to address some of the issues of disability, the Department conducted sign language workshops in order to familiarise employees with the culture of deaf communities and enhance the potential to communicate with persons from deaf communities, the SPU plans to conduct more of these workshop.
DPSA: DISABLED PEOPLE ORGANISATION
Going forward the department will convene a workshop on the White Paper on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities in an effort to raise awareness about mainstreaming disability in the department. This workshop will place emphases accessibility, reasonable accommodation and the provision of assistive device to employees living with disabilities.
T he Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has an obligation to promote and sustain high productivity through continuous empowerment of its Thisemployees.itdoes by ensuring holistic management of employees’ health and wellness needs that includes the needs of people with disabilities. The department does not only consider the needs of the employees, but also has an obligation to its external stakeholders as well. No disability is the same but those that are affected often require assistive devices, services or special care to assist them gain accesses to services offered. These are the people who have a long-term or recurring physical or mental impairment which substantially limits their prospects of entry into, or advancement in
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Theemployment.SpecialProgrammes Unit (SPU) within the department has a role to facilitate and monitor provision of reasonable office space, so that people with disabilities have the opportunity to work with less or no stress. Reasonable accommodation refers to necessary and appropriate changes and adjustments in the work environment that allows a person with a disability to do the job and enjoy equal employment opportunities.
Help us educate people about the different types of disabilities and remove the stigma surrounding them. ADVERTISEWITHUS RISE‘NSHINE D I S A B I L I T Y M A G A Z I N E INSPIRED | INFORMED | INDEPENDENT HE KILLEDALMOSTMEBUTHEHANGEDHIMSELFFUNDUKWAZI HELPSCHILDREN DISABILITIESWITH THE LOVE OF ARTS DISABILITYBREAKBOUNDRIES “IT’S ABOUT WHERE YOU PUT YOUR FOCUS.” THE BLIND DJ Eezo RISE NSHINE ‘ D I S A B I L I T Y M A G A Z I N ERISE 'N SHINETEAM ON CAN'T SLOW HIM DOWN Epilepsy INSPIRED | INFORMED | INDEPENDENT | INVINCIBLE LydiaKram RISE N ‘SHINE D I S A B I L I T Y M A G A Z I N E RISEGUESTHOUSEOWNERBREAKSBOUNDARIES'NSHINEGBVTRAININGTOENDIMPUNITY WHEELCHAIRBASKETBALLNEEDSEXPOSUREINTOWNSHIPS GIVING UP & SELF-PITY: NOT OPTIONAN HEARING LOSS CAN'T SLOW HER DOWN ACHIEVINGBEYONDSOCIETYLIMITS Phone 043 760 5138 / 010 023 1845 or advertise@risenshine.org.za You difference!makecana RISE N SHINE ‘ D I S A B I L I T Y M A G A Z I N E
