September 2012

ISSUE 7
www.thisability.co.za
MISS DEAF SA
SEPTEMBER 2012
Crowned in Durban
Eye Care Awareness Month
Observing Muscular
Dystrophy Month
11th World Down
Syndrome Congress:
Cape Town, South
Africa REPORT
Talking Hands:
See Page 3
Sencity
Joburg
Festival
Seeing, Hearing,
Feeling, Tasting
& Smelling music!
Deaf Theatre Festival
Celebrity Profiles
win
Blackberry prizes
Jumping Kids
Up and Close with
Natalie du Toit
Initiatives
See INSIDE for more EXCITING Articles and Advice Columns!
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Kate Power Fundraising Officer Zane Gani from Kinsey Alloy Welding
Services collected the winning voucher on behalf of Mr Kinsey
1.+)
LFL;;mh-.0,/
sms cost R1.50
September was Deaf Awareness Month and a lot of activities
took place across the country. The highlight activity in Durban
was the hosting of the first ever Deaf Theater Festival which
had a mix of stage drama, a deaf film festival, deaf SA’s Got
Talent and lots more. The event highlights are mentioned in
this issue.
Amashova Gives Hope
Hi Hopes is one of the selected charities for this year’s
Amashova Durban Classic. This is the first time the charity
has been selected as a headline charity for such an event for
which they are extremely excited about.
They have an early intervention program for deaf and hard
of hearing infants and children, allowing them to grow and
develop in a world they cannot hear. Of the babies born per
day in South Africa, 17 are born deaf and 94% into families
that are able hearing. This often creates a lot of uncertainty
as what should be done with the child. This is where Hi
Hopes steps in. Helen Zille, the Premier of Western Cape
province, has agreed to be the Ambassador for Hi Hopes in
the Amashova and will lead the team. Her love of cycling is
well documented by completing the Pick n Pay Argus 2012
and riding from Plettenberg Bay to Khayelitsha in the Western
Cape. Hi Hopes hopes to attract as many people as possible
to ride for Team Hi Hopes with Helen in the Amashova.
A charity dinner was held with Helen Zille on 6 October
2012 at Durban Country Club to raise funds and awareness.
People wishing to ride, sponsor or donate to Hi Hopes,
can contact Mandy Hughes on 0834471841 or email:
[email protected]
Kuhle Life PTY LTD is our fundraising partner and they
have started doing an amazing job in raising the profile of the
newspaper’s vision as well as raising the much needed funds
to carry on the vision. They have a number of projects lined
monthly and these will be highlighted in the newspaper all the
time. One of their raffle for fundraising was drawn recently
and the winner is pictured above.
THISABILITY Newspaper is making inroads across the
country and queries have been coming in regarding where
the newspaper is distributed. Please visit our website for
a comprehensive distribution list across South Africa. For
any queries please call our office on 087 809 0844 or email
[email protected]
Happy Reading!
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World Sight Day
11 OCTOBER 2012
An annual day of awareness to focus global attention on
blindness, visual impairment and rehabilitation of the visually
impaired held is on the second Thursday in October. World
Sight Day is observed around the world by all partners
involved in preventing visual impairment or restoring sight.
It is also the main advocacy event for the prevention of
blindness and for “Vision 2020: The Right to Sight”, a
global effort to prevent blindness created by WHO and the
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The
global estimate of the number of people visually impaired is
as follows:
Population (A) Blind
(millions)
(millions)
(B) Low
Vision
(milions)
(A+B) Visually
Impaired (millions)
6,737.50
246.024
285.389
39.365
The magnitude of visual impairment and blindness and
their causes have been globally estimated by World Health
Organisation (WHO) from recent data. For countries without
data, estimates were based on a newly developed model.
Globally, the number of people of all ages who are visually
impaired is estimated to be 285 million – of whom 39 million are
blind. People who are over 50 years constitute 82% of all blind
people in the world. The major causes of visual impairment are
uncorrected refractive errors (43%) and cataract (33%); the
first cause of blindness is cataract (51%). Visual impairment
in 2010 is a major global health issue: the preventable
causes are as high as 80% of the total global burden.
Ref: Pascolini D, Mariotti SPM. Global estimates of
visual impairment: 2010. British Journal Ophthalmology
Online First published December 1, 2011 as 10.1136/
bjophthalmol-2011-300539.
The. Sponge Project
Do you need rehabilitation or other disability services?
To find out what is available in your area, sms your name,
town, disability and the info you need to
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(you can use your free sms’s)
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local organisations who may be able to help you.
Please share this notice.
You are welcome to add a translation in any local language.
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Please feel free to send us your comments and suggestions
PAGE 3
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Biz Trailblazer of the Year
Tabisa Nomnganga of Bravo Promotions was awarded the 2012 Emerging Business Entrepreneur of
the Year® title in the annual Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® Competition.
in the design and implementation of branded entertainment communication strategies and campaigns. Targeted
campaigns focus on exposing their clients’ brands to potential
customers through dance and theatre performances,
thereby ensuring that not only are the brand and products
are acknowledged, but that they are remembered.
The company’s unique approach to marketing provides
a platform for brands to interact and connect with
their target audience in a manner which traditional
media is unable to provide. “The key principle of the
business is brand engagement and this is achieved
by building exciting,relevant and meaningful dialogues
between a brand and its customers,” says Tabisa.
Tabisa Nomnganga with her Sanlam Award
Tabisa claimed the title over three other worthy finalists
in the 2012 Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the
Year® category, which celebrates entrepreneurs
who have been in business for less than three years.
Established in November 2009, Bravo Promotions is
a vibrant and energetic marketing and communications
agency that sets itself apart by specialising
Bravo Promotions now employs 20 young people and
gives life to consumer brands using dance, theatre
and performance. “Companies and even friends were
skeptical about my chances of succeeding. They looked
at my disability rather than my ability. I do not let my
disability define who I am. When I dream of something,
I implement it, despite the hardships,” she said.
For more information on Bravo Promotions, please
visit their website www.bravopromotions.co.za
Tabisa with her work team during one of their brand activations
About Tabisa
Born on 14 June 1979 in Langa, a township in Cape Town.
After matriculating in 1998 from the Deutsche Internationale
Schule Kapstadt, she obtained a Bcom degree in Industrial
Psychology from the University of South Africa in 2004 and
completed Bcom Honours in Business Management from
the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2006. In 2001, she
was involved in tragic accident which left her paralyzed.
In May 2012 at the Seda Stars Business Plan Awards she
won two awards; The Most Promising Female Entrepreneur
and a runner up in the Entrepreneur with a disability
Category.
UNISA Disability Awareness Day
UNISA Durban Campus recently held their Annual Disability
Awareness day that was organized by the Directorate for
Counseling and Career Development in collaboration with
the regional student disability committee.
Various speakers from organisations like the KZN Deaf and
Blind Society, Saint Giles, Department of Women, Children
and People with Disabilities, UNISA’s own Association
for Student with Disabilities and QuadPara Association of
KwaZulu-Natal(QAK) took turns to address the students
on the various missions, assistance and interventions they
offer.
The objectives of the programme included;
Creating awareness about disability as a human
rights issue,
·
·
·
·
Creating awareness for staff and students about
disabilities (the roles of staff/ responsibilities of students)
Motivating school learners with disabilities about
education beyond matric and how to succeed at UNISA
Creating awareness about support resources
and programmes around Durban
Durban UNISA’s Disability Help Desk
Contact Nolwazi Somtsewu Tel: 031-3351739
Eye Care Awareness Month
Eye Care Awareness Month is commemorated from 20 September to 17 October to raise awareness about
the importance of eye health, specifically around the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness.
What is blindness?
Blindness or partial blindness is when an individual is unable
to see or has limited vision. Blindness affects millions of
people in the world today and many of them live active and
fulfilling lives. However, living with blindness can be extremely
challenging and it therefore makes sense to do everything
possible to protect your eyes and your eyesight. The South
African National Council for the Blind says that as much as
80% of blindness is avoidable. Some eye conditions such as
pinkeye are generally not serious, but others like glaucoma
may go on to cause complete blindness if left untreated. The
good news is that most eye conditions can be successfully
treated, particularly if they are detected early. This is why it is
important to be aware of how to take care of your eyes and
to visit an optometrist or doctor regularly from a young age.
There are many different types of eye conditions.
The following are some of the more common eye problems
to look out for, as well as their symptoms:
Pinkeye is a fairly common condition that causes inflammation
and redness of the membranes of the whites of the eye and
the inner part of the eyelid. Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis as it is
also sometimes known, may be caused by a bacteria or virus
and can sometimes be linked to allergies or toxins. Some
forms of the condition are highly contagious and are easily
passed on from person to person. If you have pinkeye you
should avoid touching your eyes with your hands and wash
your hands regularly. Pinkeye is not a serious condition and
lasts from between three and ten days. Bacterial pinkeye
can be treated with antibiotics.
Glaucoma is an eye condition arising from pressure in the
eye that can damage the optic nerve. The condition can
cause vision loss and eventually blindness, particularly if it is
not treated. Glaucoma can be prevented from getting worse
if it is treated early. It can be treated with the use of eye drops
and in certain cases with laser and surgical procedures.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which results
in blurred or dull vision. It can be caused by a number of
factors including aging, trauma to the eye and diabetes.
Exposure to the UV rays of the sun can also contribute to
cataract development. The condition tends to cause a slow
deterioration in sight. Individuals with cataracts may improve
their vision with the assistance of specially prescribed
glasses. Surgery may eventually become necessary.
This involves replacing the eye lens with an artificial lens.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly
40% of blindness is attributable to cataracts globally.
“
Look after your eyes
Vision is a great gift and most of us find it
challenging to live our daily lives without
it. Taking care of our eyes is an important
part of looking after yourself, so it is wise
to pay it the attention it deserves.
“
Corneal ulcers are usually caused by infections, which can
be bacterial, fungal or viral. Red eyes, swollen eyelids, blurry
vision, pain, a white or grey spot on the eye and feeling like
there is something in the eye may all be signs of a corneal
ulcer. This is a very uncomfortable condition and it may be
quite serious. Anyone who has a corneal ulcer should see
an ophthalmologist immediately. Treatment may include
antibiotics and eye drops, and in certain instances surgery
may be required.
The importance of regular check-ups
The above are just a few of the possible eye conditions that
individuals sometimes develop. This is why it is important to
have your eyes regularly checked by an optometrist and to
visit your doctor if you have any problems with your eyes.
This way any eye conditions or illnesses can be detected
and dealt with early on. Your medical practitioner may refer
you to an ophthalmologist if you need specialist treatment.
Maintaining good eye health
There are a number of steps you yourself can take
to protect you and your family’s eyes, which may
help you to avoid eye infections or other conditions.
Protect your eyes from foreign objects such as dust or
other particles. Scratches caused to the eye by foreign
objects can lead to infection or damage the eye. It is
therefore important that that you wear protective eyewear if you are working with tools or equipment that may
cause chips or shards to fly into the eyes. Be sure to wear
proper sunglasses. Inadequately made sunglasses will
not protect your eyes from the rays of the sun, which can
damage your eyes. You should therefore be sure to wear
sunglasses that will provide proper protection for your eyes.
Take a ten minute break every hour when using a computer.
This will minimise eye strain and the development of eyefocusing problems. Have your children’s vision tested to
ensure they are able to see clearly. A child that is not able to
see properly may start having problems learning at school
because they may not be able to see the teacher and
blackboard.
PAGE 4
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Butterfly Beret Accolades recognise youthful trailblazers
Nashlen Govindasamy (16) – Star College learner who
is the current Durban chess champion. He won the Durban
Chess Club Premiership twice in 2010 and 2012, and hopes
to someday become a Grandmaster.
The citizen-based Green Heart Movement was initiated in
association with Cycles 4 Social Justice (C4SJ) and Ecology
& Cycling and encourages arts and poetry experiences
around themes of ecology, sustainable living, fashion and
cycling.
Nikita Kekana (left), Cllr Logie Naidoo (Speaker, eThekwini Municipality), Mbali Nkosi (Miss Deaf Africa 2010), Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala
(eThekwini Deputy Mayor), Mbuso Cele, Holly Wasserfall and Nashlen Govindasamy. Photo courtesy Gabriella-Sofia Peppas
Green Heart City hosted the inaugural Butterfly Beret
Accolades in conjunction with eThekwini Municipality,
the South African National Society (SANS) and Alliance
Française de Durban.
S’dumo Bike and wheel it around on the streets of Durban
during the Red Eye 2010 arts festival. She is currently
working as well as studying towards an Institute of Marketing
Management (IMM) degree.
The event took place at the Sustainable Living Exhibition at
Durban Exhibition Centre on Spring Day.
Nikita Kekana (18) – Durban Girls College matric learner
The Accolades recognise five youths (16-20yrs) who have
contributed towards advancing the arts, heritage and
ecology in the City of Durban and surrounds.Speaker of
eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Logie Naidoo presented berets
to the following youth:
Gilly Mchunu (19) – former ARROWSA - Art, Culture and
Heritage for Peace participant who represented ARROWSA
and Durban at the 2010 ARROW global youth congress in
the UK. She helped decorate the ARROWSA-Bechet Ubuntu
The Way
Liezel van Rensburg
to Rio
The 2012 London Games caused a major shift
in global attitudes towards disability. It is being
heralded as “an historic odyssey of human
achievement that has lifted the cloud of limitation”.
Team SA returned to, what can only be described as,
a proudly South African welcome. Hundreds of fans
gathered at O.R. Tambo International on the morning of
September 11th in celebration of our superb Paralympic
performance - 29 medals and a top 20 world ranking!
With London done and dusted, sights are now set on
the 2016 Games in Rio. This is where a local non-profit
initiative, the Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund, aims to play
a role.
“Jumping Kids” was launched in 2009 to address the
needs of young South Africans with amputations who do
not have access to adequate prosthetics. Its vision is to
allow kids to be kids - to play, run, climb and jump just
like any of their able-body peers despite their disability.
Emile Burger was the inspiration behind it all. Born with
a right leg slightly shorter than the left as well as no
right foot, Emile’s leg was amputated below the knee
at birth. He was fitted with his first prosthetic when only
eight months old but as Emile became more active; his
visits to Icexpress Progressive Prosthetics became more
frequent.
Emile’s walking prosthetic just could not keep up
with his tree-climbing, ball-kicking activities. This
gave prosthetist, Johan Snyders and idea.
Why
not fit Emile with a Cheetah running blade; the same
device used by blade-runners across the world?
Once Emile was fitted, the scope of opportunity to assist
young amputees became clear and Jumping Kids was
born.
who is a member of the South African junior surfing team.
She represented SA at the International Surfing Association
World Junior Games in Peru 2011. She came fourth in the
U20 division at the Billabong SA Champs 2012 in Cape
Town.
Mbuso Cele (16) – Blind cyclist who is a member of the
KZN Blind Tandem Cycling Association.
Holly Wasserfall (16) – Eden College learner who is a
music star. Her debut album, “Twenty Four Seven,” a blend
of Afro jazz and pop, released in 2010.
Adequate prosthetic technology is not accessible to the
majority of persons with amputations. Conventional,
outdated devices are not designed to exercise the
muscles of the stump thus limiting mobility instead of
the other way around. The fact is that the technology
and expertise required to rectify this already exist.
Icexpress, in collaboration with its international partners,
developed a quick new way of prosthetic manufacturing
that does not compromise on quality.
A below knee prosthetic is made in four steps using
eight components! This revolutionary method does not
require complicated machinery and amputees can be
fitted in the most rural of circumstances. The technology,
combined with a holistic approach to rehabilitation,
presents a new lease on life.
To date, Jumping Kids has supplied more than 30
children with latest technology prosthetic legs thanks to
the efforts of various individuals, donors and corporate
sponsors. Upon selection, each ‘Jumping Kid’ becomes
part of a three-year project. During this time regular
assessment takes place. Because kids grow, their
sponsored prostheses require regular adjustment
and, at the same time, rehabilitation programmes are
tweaked to ensure optimal personal development.
Green Hearts was co-founded by Mikhail Peppas, GabriellaSofia Peppas and Sanabelle Ebrahim in June 2011. “Our aim
is to position Durban as Green Heart City, just as New York
is known as The Big Apple and Paris as The City of Love,”
says Mikhail Peppas. Green felt cupcakes were introduced
as Durban’s equivalent of red velvet cupcakes (New York) at
the Green Heart City / Ecology & Cycling stand at the 2012
Sustainable Living Expo. Restaurants are encouraged to
start serving green heart beverage biscuits as a conversation
point in the buildup to the launch of Durban as Green Heart
City in 2014.
Green Heart activations include the interactive performance
piece at the ‘Talking Hands’ Deaf Theatre Festival recently
held at the Catalina in September 2012, and the Boulevard
Beret Accolades presentation on the Mayor’s open-air
balcony at City Hall Durban at year-end.
Story by: SANABELLE EBRAHIM
Sanabelle Ebrahim is a Masters candidate at the
Centre for Communication, Media & Society (CCMS),
UKZN and co-founder of the Green Heart Movement.
Visit www.facebook.com/GreenHeartCity.
In 2011, Tiaan competed (for the first time) at the
Nedbank National Championships for the Physically
Disabled in Rustenburg. Not only did he win gold in
the under-16 Javelin item, he broke the SA record in
Shot Put with a throw of 7.33m! As a result ‘the new
confident’ Tiaan continues to excel at his sport and is
working towards his dream of one day representing
South Africa at the Paralympic Games.
Recognising the opportunity for development and
growth on all levels of society, the Jumping Kids team
continues to work towards raising funds and boosting
awareness in order to assist more children.
The motto says it in a nutshell – “Jumping Kids Is
Ability” and those involved cannot help but be inspired.
Just like the 2012 Games, it lifts the cloud of limitation
and makes the impossible...possible!
In a sense, it is not that different from replacing
shoes and clothes that have been outgrown except,
of course, for the vast difference in the price-tag.
From the very start, beneficiaries are encouraged
to participate in sport and, I am happy to report
that the number of kids that are excelling on
provincial and national level is on the increase.
Various elite athletes, (such as Paralympic medallists
Arnu Fourie, Samkelo Radebe and Ernst van Dyk),
act as ambassadors and mentors to the Jumping
Kids Fund. It is amazing to see how sport, being
part of a team, and the opportunity to compete
alongside senior sportsmen and women with
physical disabilities transform the children we assist.
When I first met 15 year old Tiaan Huyzers he was
shy, unsure of himself, and happy to remain in the
background. After being fitted with his prosthetic, he
was encouraged to try-out for discus and shot put.
Junior Mavuso and Samkelo Radebe
PAGE 5
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Sencity Joburg Festival
Seeing, Hearing,
Feeling, Tasting
& Smelling music!
From left to right: DJ Lancelot, DJ Tappy, DJ Matty
MCs Simphiwe and Sabeha in action
Sencity is an out of this world sensory experience
organised by a team of Deaf, hard of hearing and
hearing people.
The event brings these people together on one common
platform that allows them to all experience the passion and
emotions of music. The combination of music, video jockeys,
sign dancers, aroma jockeys, light artists, taste jockeys and a
vibrating dance floor allow Deaf, hearing and hard of hearing
people to appreciate music in unique, innovative ways by
allowing them to see, hear, feel, taste and smell music.
Performing at this year’s Sencity Joburg event were Tidal
Waves, South Africa’s hardest working reggae band who
have performed at festivals across the country like Oppi
Koppi; conscious hip hop artist CAPSO, who recently
Police
Minister on
Disability
Minister Nathi Mthethwa
Employment
Minister Nathi Mthethwa calls for improvements
on employment of people with disabilities at police
stations.
The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa says improvements
around statement-taking at police stations, including
utilisation of sign language interpreters are vital in securing
harsher convictions of criminals. “Almost on a daily basis
police arrest suspects but we now need to move towards
securing harsher convictions. Part of this goal includes
prioritising the employment of people with disabilities
including sign language interpreters. We need to have police
stations which employ sign language interpreters to assist
hearing impaired citizens not only as part of addressing the
disability impurities, but to ensure that all members of society
are catered for,” he stated.
Caregiver’s Corner
Gift of Life
Cerebral Palsy. If you had to hear those two words for the first
time, you would be confused, rattled and shocked. But how
do you deal with that when you don’t have much information,
let alone the support you need? How do you give a voice to
the voiceless, let alone adjust to these circumstance as you
face rejection, judgement? How do you adjust when all you’ve
got is the meagre resources that merely keep you going for
two weeks at a time? How much use is it if organisations are
formed just to be the face of pity and shame, while the real
potential of a God-given gift is hidden behind doors?
Even so, CP is a gift that not many families get to have.
I’ve seen people ashamed of their disabled siblings, but
performed at the Sunday Times Top Brands 2012; the
energetic Cape Town-based multi-genre band iScream
& the Chocolate Stix; Battle Cock, ‘a new, exciting
collaboration project between Kwani Experience’s leader
P.O. Box and Black Pimp’n Jesus’; and Skin2Soul which
is a hybrid of afro-soul, reggae, jazz, R ‘n B and more.
Several DJs, including some Deaf DJs, spun their discs to
keep the crowd entertained. DJ Matty and DJ Tappy, DJ
Rudeboy, DJ Prince and DJ Lancelot were also in action.
While they entertained the audience with their melodious
sounds, top South African sign language interpreters such
as SABC sign language news presenter Fortune Madlala,
Andiswa Gebashe, Tina Botha and Sibusiso Mondlana
narrated the music. Madlala and Gebashe, Phili Zangwa
and Nelia Kruger were the sign dancers for the audience.
The Skyway Foundation in the Netherlands first initiated
Sencity in 2003, and since then, the event has gone
international. The event is hosted regularly in countries
such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Spain,
Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and Finland.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not appointed
permanent sign language interpreters instead has utilised
external-registered sign language interpreters, when the need
arises to have sign language interpreters at police stations.
We need to ensure that going forward and as part of our
transformational process, we address this matter.”While the
causes of crime are complex and diverse, it is acknowledged
that there are a host of factors which impact on crime.
What becomes crucial however is that when victims of
crime report such crimes, they must not be compromised
through wrong interpretation and badly-written statements
as well as misunderstanding of their experiences as crime
victims. “Therefore, improved planning and co-ordination
including accommodating people with disabilities is required
to enhance the conditions of safety within communities.
Communication), together with Disability Management
of the Employee Health Wellness are now in the process
of developing a strategy to ensure that people with
hearing disabilities are able to access SAPS’ services.
This is what we are always advocating, that police must
continuously be trained. The strengthening of partnerships
and co-operation among relevant organs of state at
local, provincial and national spheres of government,
including community stakeholders also has an impact on
the approach of addressing crime,” added the Minister.
Prior to 2009, SAPS embarked on a drive which included
advertising a post at national level but was unable to fill it
due to poor response to the recruitment drive. The various
SAPS divisions including Language Section (Corporate
today I will share the normal routine in the Bauti household.
Fortune Bauti, my brother, is a 17-year-old who was
diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy just 8 days after birth.
He battles with epilepsy, which means he has to get
treatment: medication that has to be taken twice a day,
once in the morning and once in the evening. Our day starts
around 5am and ends around 10pm to ensure he gets his
medication on time.
A time table has to be drawn up, and usually turns are
taken to cater for his needs as he is on a special diet and
needs specialised care. He loves his family and needs time
with us every day. This time has been a blessing to us.
As his brother, I’ve had to study his disability. I needed to
understand his needs and find creative ways to meet those
needs – sometimes a trial on a tight budget. Being fit plays a
huge role in my life because I’ve got to be fit so I can be able
to move him around with ease. When he goes to the hospital
for his regular check-ups, it is my job to carry him up the
This year’s Sencity Joburg event was partly made possible
by the City of Joburg and was part of the Johannesburg
Arts Alive International Festival.
Well known deaf actress, of the SABC 2 drama Muvhango
fame, Simphiwe Mkhize who MC’ed the event with
Sabeha Khan ( a part time DTV presenter) quipped:
“I am very happy with how things turned out. This is also
a perfect date because it forms part of the International
Deaf Awareness Month.”
Transformation within the SAPS in the broader sense must
be aimed at changing the internal police environment and
culture into a professional, representative, efficient and
effective, transparent and accountable service. This should
be a service which upholds and protect the fundamental
rights of citizens and executes its mandate in accordance
with the Constitution.While there has been some process
made regarding the demographic composition of the police,
there is still considerable work required, not only in building a
representative service, but also in making sure transformation
addresses the broader context of the developmental state,
guiding policy framework and the principles contained in the
Constitution.
Please contact: Zweli Mnisi Cell: 082 045 4024
Issued by: South African Police Service
steep hillside from our house in the valley to the street that
leads to the taxis which take us to the hospital. At seventeen,
he’s no lightweight, and this is why I take care to ensure that
I am as fit, healthy and strong as he needs me to be.
Our mom works hard to provide for our family’s needs, and
spends time working out Fortune’s time table, studying what
he needs, and being the best mother she can be for him.
Fortune himself is a happy guy who brings life, love and joy
to our little family. He loves chocolate. He loves his friends
and family. He is a daily blessing to us.
That’s the life behind the doors of the Bauti household.
Remember, he is a gift. I would love all parents with disabled
children, or people with disabled sibling, to try and spend two
to three hours with their disabled kids, brothers and sisters,
to see the potential they each possess.
Written by Arthur Bauti - 073 454 6035
PAGE 6
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
MC Shakila Maharaj and KZN Blind and Deaf Society’s Belinda Naidoo
Dining in the Dark
The KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society held a swanky
Dinner in the Dark event at Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga.
The starters, the auction, a prerecorded audio drama - Blind
Date (a piece written by Nad Ramsarup, head of the School
for the Society and produced by Raeesa Mohammed from
Lotus FM) and musical items were all performed in the dark
during the first hour.
The MC for the evening, Mrs Shakila Maharaj, herself blind,
brilliantly guided the guests with quips of lighter moments
and interactive audience participation. Duets by partial blind
Rajen and Shamilla Surjoo
performers, Jody Naidoo and Alicia Solomon were on par as
the guests were serenaded to a unique dinner experience.
For the worthy cause it was for, the auction raised R22 500
after the first buyer, who initially bid R12 500, donated it for
reauction.
About Dinner in the Dark
The “Dinner in the Dark” event is a unique opportunity to
raise awareness about Blindness besides raising funds
for the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society. You
will experience a sumptuously elaborate meal without
the benefit of sight. Your remaining senses will be
stimulated to savour the aroma and taste of your dining
experience. Conversation will become more intimate and
at
TM
Alicia Solomon performing
spontaneous, increasing your consciousness of what
blind people experience as normal throughout their lives.
Dining in the Dark gives you:
• A unique culinary experience: food tastes very different
without visual cues to accompany it.
• An appreciation of your vision: after trying to perform
simple tasks without your eyesight, you will value more
highly both it and your other senses.
• A chance to exercise your imagination: only your mind
can tell you what the food on your plate look like.
• An opportunity to bond with other people: what better
social bonding experience could there be than sharing
a meal with someone in the dark?
ACSA Exhibition
Hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in the
heart of Sandton for its 8th year running, the Airports
Company South Africa Disability Trade & Lifestyle
Expo & Conference took place on 6 to 8th September
2012. It is a multi-faceted event that offers delegates
numerous benefits, amongst others, a comprehensive
knowledge and resource hub for anyone involved with
disability; participation and involvement by Government,
corporate institutions, NGOs, enterprises and business
owners aspiring to develop and employ people with
disabilities and a co-located trade and lifestyle exhibition.
Visitors at the THISABILITY Newspaper Stand
Sebe Matsebula in the foreground
The aims of the two-day conference were to explore the
enhancement of environments inside and outside the
living and working spaces of people with disabilities.
THISABILITY Newspaper had a lot of visitors who inquired
about subscription opportunities as well as other linkages.
Anthony Cuerden (THISABILITY) with Petra and Conrad Burgher
SASL Alison Swannack
Signing
as a
Language
Subgroups of the Deaf Community
The Deaf community promoted Deaf Awareness
Month (National Month of Deaf people in SA:
1-30th September 2012).
You may be confused when meeting the Deaf people
because there are four different subgroups of deaf people
within the Deaf Community. In this column I will introduce
these subgroups of the Deaf community to help you identify
and know what part of the group you are in. These subgroups
may be found within the general society, yet are more
noticeable within the Deaf community, due to the community
being a low-incidence population.
SASL immersion is part of learning SASL and being a part of
Deaf Culture and results when you begin socializing with Deaf
people and honing your SASL skills. There are four “levels”
of being involved with the Deaf (the Deaf Experience): Deaf
people in isolation, the Deaf community, Deaf Culture, and
the Deaf Ethnicity. They are all completely different.
This was an opportunity for the paper to meet the newsmakers
and stakeholders alike and engage one on one on different
needs and challenges pertaining to disability issues. The
conference was supported by: The Gauteng Provincial
Government, The South African Disability Alliance (SADA),
and Arcelor Mittal.
• Deaf People in Isolation - Deaf people who are part of the
hearing world are on this level. They are the furthest from
being involved. They are deaf, but they are not Deaf. These
individuals are often products of oral schools and are trying
to fit into the hearing society. They feel uncomfortable with
signing and do not have knowledge of Deaf Culture and values.
• Deaf Community - Deaf community is a social group
that lives in a certain geographical area, shares common
goals, and carries out certain responsibilities to each other.
SASL immersion in the Deaf Community is different from
SASL immersion in Deaf Culture. There are many Deaf
communities in South Africa, but only one Deaf Culture. The
Deaf community is more flexible with its language use than
Deaf Culture. When Deaf people converse in a situation
involving hearing people, they may use a variety of Signed
English to help support understanding. However, the strict
language in Deaf Culture is South African Sign Language
(SASL). Deaf people have faced restrictions and oppressions
while being the minority group in a hearing world. However,
when they band together to further the goals of the deaf,
they define their culture.
One of the main goals of the Deaf community is to achieve
recognition of deaf people as equals. They also want their
history to be recognized and SASL to be accepted as the
official language of the deaf. Members of the Deaf community
include deaf and hearing people (including hearing family
members, interpreters, etc.) that share in the culture and use
SASL. These people do not have to be deaf themselves and
can be part of other cultural groups, but they support the
goals of the Deaf and help to achieve them. Membership in
the Deaf community is not as strict as membership in Deaf
Zain Bulbulia with Ari Seirlis at the Conference
Culture or the Deaf Ethnicity. Your SASL immersion will
most likely occur with people who are a part of this level.
• Deaf Culture - The culture of the Deaf is much more
restrictive. On this level, you would more closely identify
yourself with Deaf culture before any other culture. Normally,
you need to have a degree of hearing loss to be a part of
this culture. However, some hearing children of Deaf adults
(CODAs) are on this level because they have been brought
up learning SASL and the cultural values natively. People
who are part of this level generally include: deaf and hard
of hearing individuals who identify with Deaf cultural values
and behaviours, and know and use SASL (not the thoughtup language systems like Signed English). Rarely, hearing
people without Deaf parents who learn SASL and become
involved in the community are part of Deaf Culture.
• Deaf Ethnicity - The Deaf Ethnicity is the most restrictive
group and is rarely discussed. SASL immersion can take
place with people who are at this level, but you will most
likely never be a part of it. This level is reserved for those
who are Deaf and were raised with SASL in Deaf culture.
This usually involves a Deaf child of Deaf parents. This
situation is surprisingly rare, but highly valued. Ethnically
Deaf people are often leaders in the Deaf community.
In next month’s column I will highlight Etiquette within
the Deaf Community and the 10 commandments of Deaf
Culture.
Interested in learning SASL?
Please direct queries to [email protected] or
any other queries to [email protected]
PAGE 7
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
STAR PROFILE:
DJ Phobia
DJ Phobia has a rather unique skill. He keeps a CD pouch containing 100 CD’s
and he’s memorised their order and their contents. He does this routine because
he is blind. He is affectionately referred to as ‘Stevie Wonder’ by some of his fans.
DJ Phobia has become a well known name on the DJ circuit. He says that he still
feels overwhelmed by the positive response he gets from his music.
DJ Phobia aspires to become a world acclaimed DJ. He’s determined not to let
his disability hamper him in any way.
Born Bongani Mbambo in 1985, Dj Phobia’s love for music started at a very early
age. His mother used to take him to festivals, weddings and public functions. He
got his first keyboard when he was five and taught himself to play.
A chance meeting with the renowned Dj Christos changed fate for Bongani. He
became determined to pursue Sound-Engineering in 2004 after completing his
Matric. Dj Christos invited him to the first ever South African music conference
and taught him how to use turn-tables. Dj Phobia started playing the same year
and has played almost all over the country as well as countries like Swaziland
and Lesotho.
Dj Phobia has had the privilege of playing alongside renowned household
names like Black Coffee, Vinny Da Vinci, Ralf Gum, Rocco, Franck Roger,
Manoo, Culoe, Oskido to name but a few. He is currently working on his
first album.
DJ Phobia playing for Vuzu TV
Talking Hands:
Durban Deaf Theatre Festival
For the first time in South Africa, a theatre festival celebrating
the performing arts talent, language and talent of the Deaf
was held at the Catalina Theatre, Durban...
Cast of Talking Hands-The Play
Standing L-R: Sandile Mngadi, Marvin Sphiwe Mchunu, Bo Tasker, Dr. Thuli Nhlapo and Alison Swannack
Kneeling L-R: Nqobisizwe Mazwi, Darren Rajbal, Linda Majola and Ismael Mansoor
...The highlights of the festival were the three productions,
directed and performed by talented Deaf actors and actresses.
These were Talking Hands, directed by Alison Swannack,
about the past and present life experiences of Deaf South
Africans, Listen with your eyes, the comedy play by Darren
Rajbal, Bo Tasker and Ismael Mansoor and Ultimate Deaf
Side Story, a production by the only surviving Deaf Theatre
company in South Africa, played by Dale Holmes and Llellwyn
MacDonald. The audiences, which sadly comprised mainly
Deaf people, enjoyed these plays enormously. The few
hearing audience members who attended reported having
really enjoyed the shows too and that they had gained a new
perspective on the Deaf Community as a result. All the plays
were directed by Deaf people and were informed by the Deaf
perspective and that makes the plays unique and interesting
for both Deaf and hearing audiences. Unfortunately
attendance at these productions was very poor and it was
sad that such a historic event was so poorly supported.
During the Festival, workshops were held for corporates
and public to learn about Deaf people and Deaf Culture and
some basic SASL. Despite extending the invitation to attend
the corporate workshop titled “Ensuring access for Deaf
employees and clients” to over 80 companies, there was no
one at the workshop. This made us very aware of the need
to create more awareness about the talents and potential of
Deaf people and the needs they have in terms of achieving
equal access. The public workshop was similarly very poorly
attended.
During Deaf SA’s Got Talent, the audience was treated to
entertainment by some of the most talented Deaf performers.
They were treated to dance, poetry and signed song
performances. The winner was Issa Minenhlie Mabuza and
apart from the prize money, he flew to JHB to perform for
the Deaf Federation of South Africa, National Quadrennial
Meeting gala evening on Sat 6th October. We wish him all
the very best for the future! Overally, despite the poor public
support for the Festival, it remains a significant event in the
history of the Deaf Community of South Africa. “Mighty oaks
from tiny acorns grow” and we are delighted that the acorn
has been planted and look forward to a bigger and better
Deaf Theatre Festival in 2013.
Story by Alison Swannack - Festival Director
SA’s Got Talent: Amazing Act from PMB
Seated on the e.tv’s SA’s Got Talent auditioning stage,
Nhlanhla Luke Greyling Nxele cuts a lone figure. As the
famous USA R’ n’ B Chris Brown’s voice emerges through
the speakers singing the chorus of the fast paced song
“Don’t Wake me Up”, Luke shifts slightly to the right and
feebly stands up on his feet and immediately goes into a
hip hop dance routine that sends the crowds berserk and
screaming in support whilst the judges look on awe struck.
Judging from the messages of support he gets from his
school’s Facebook page and his mother, Luke has all the
right backing to go all the way in the competition.
Watch SA’s Got Talent every Thurs at 8.30pm on e.tv
For someone born with spinal muscular atrophy and
using crutches, Luke makes this routine look like an easy
stroll in the park and he gets three nods from the judges
to proceed to the second round. Luke bows as he gets a
standing ovation from the mesmerized crowd. The 15 year
old dancer from Maritzburg College in KZN says he learnt
on the streets from friends and watching dance movies.
“I entered this competition with the intention to win and
most of all, to change people’s mindsets on how they view
people with disabilities,” he quips. “I dance all types of
dances, from hip-hop to crumping…..you name it,” he adds.
Luke the Superstar!
He is also a member of the canoe club at his school:
“That’s one place people treat me as an equal as we
use only our arms to row. My disability is my gift”.
Luke in Action on SA’s Got Talent
PAGE 8
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Mouth Painters’ Durban Exhibition
The Spectacular Exhibition of QuadPara Artists Artworks
Rare art talent and skill from mouth painters was recently
exhibited at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban.
These painters are individuals that have experienced the
loss of mobility and fine motor co-ordination through spinal
injuries and other conditions, but refuse to allow this to
hamper their creativity.
Thato viewing JJ’s amazing painting
They work hard to master this painting skill and to create
magnificent artworks.
The exhibition was hosted by QuadPara Association of
South Africa (QASA) and formed part of the organisation’s
AGM activities over the same weekend.
“Many of these artists start painting in order to occupy their
minds and time; those with talent are given opportunities to
exhibit all over the world and to develop a solid income,” said
Ari Seirlis, CEO of QASA.
The talent on show included that of JJ Bezuidenhout and
Thatofatso Segapo (a Grade 10 student from North West).
The exhibition was sponsored by the National Lottery Fund.
Run, Walk, Roll or Stroll for children with disabilities
Nappy Run is a fun and interactive way to get involved and help raise the profile of children
with disabilities, creating awareness for the invisible children of South Africa.
At 9am on 3 November 2012, National Children’s Day, get
your takkies on and wear a nappy which ever way you
choose – a cloth nappy over your running shorts or perhaps
a nappy ‘bandana-style’ on your head. Run, walk, roll or stroll
to take part in the main 5km Nappy Run at the Johannesburg
Zoo and other smaller events around the country - everyone
is welcome.
As a joint venture between the National Council for Persons
with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA) and
the National Association of Persons with Cerebral Palsy
(NAPCP), Nappy Run is in aid of our country’s kids with
disabilities. As an annual campaign, Nappy Run also aims
to raise as many nappies as possible for these kids who are
often also poor and living on the fringes of society.
Children with disabilities are amongst the most disadvantaged
in South Africa and are acknowledged by the UN as the
world’s most vulnerable and exposed minority group. It is
estimated that there are 293,000 - 346,000 children with
disabilities in South Africa.
The Nappy Run fun run events on Children’s Day are
just one element of this wider campaign, running from
October to 3 December, which aims to raise awareness
for the circumstances and living conditions of children with
disabilities and to encourage the public to donate nappies.
Nappy Run is aiming to more than quadruple the 100,000
nappies collected in 2011, with a target of 400,000 for 2012.
While parenting a child with disabilities is extremely
expensive, many children with disabilities rely on care from
community-based and volunteer-driven day care centres
that run on limited resources. It is also far too common to
see children at these centres who are ‘wet’ because they are
not wearing nappies. Besides the impact on the dignity and
self-esteem of these children, it is also a blatant violation of
basic human rights. All children deserve love, quality of life
and the feeling of belonging and inclusion in society.
Having limited or no control over one’s bowel or bladder,
known as incontinence, is just one of the surprisingly common
Nappy Run Sun City 2011
yet often unassociated issues for children living with physical
disabilities. Nappies are often unaffordable and viewed as a
luxury item, especially for those children who are already
marginalised, disadvantaged and residing in care centres
which are under-resourced, low on funding, operating with
minimal staff and lacking in basic daily necessities such as
diapers.
Thus the ‘Nappy Run’ concept is to create awareness and
educate the public about the living conditions of children with
disabilities as well as appeal for donations of much-needed
nappies. Many older children also have to wear diapers well
into their teens and adult years, thus larger size nappies are
needed too. In Nappy Run’s inaugural year of 2011, there
was great public involvement with over 100,000 nappies
donated as well as support from band ambassadors, radio
stations, business nappy collection promotions and various
other monetary donations from public fundraising activities.
One innovative example was at the North West University
in Potchefstroom where the students arranged a relay race
with 250 participants and 3,500 supporters. They raised
over R10,000 for Nappy Run.
The Retirement Expo is an inspiring day out for retirees and
their families, and those wise enough to know that planning
early is the best way to ensure a comfortable, secure and
enjoyable retirement.
Whether you’re a fastidious planner or a ‘seat of your pants’
kind of person, make your retirement the one thing you put
your best efforts into.
Explore exciting exhibits, including: retirement properties;
travel options; financial services; leisure and lifestyle
products; fitness; healthcare; optimal nutrition, care facilities
and services. Relax and refresh at the Health Oasis before
shopping around for special show prices and discounts on
offer.
Diarise the Retirement Expo from 26 – 28 October 2012 at
the Coca-Cola dome in Northriding, Johannesburg and plan
for an inspired retirement.
Get the latest information on whatever interests or concerns
you, and discover an array of leisure pursuits. Secure your
seat at interactive workshops to get valuable retirement and
From October 2012, public nappy donations can be dropped
at any of the 350+ Alpha Pharm pharmacies across the
country as well as Associations for Persons with Disability’s
offices, Cerebral Palsy offices and the national office for the
NCPPDSA in Edenvale. Nampak Tissues are also sponsoring
Nappy Run with a large donation of nappies.
Monetary donations are welcome and members of the
public are also invited to organise fundraiser events or
to co-ordinate a Nappy Run event in their area. Contact
Danie Marais at the NCPPDSA for more information
about volunteering [email protected]
To find out more about the
campaign,
go to www.ncppdsa.org.za,
www.nappyrun.org.za
and www.causes.com/nappyrun
or follow
on Twitter @NappyRun
retirement lifestyle advice and have your questions answered
by experts. A lifetime of hard work deserves a fitting reward
– your retirement can be all that and more.
Win a double set of tickets to visit The Original Retirement
Expo – just send you name to tacompetition@retirementexpo.
co.za Diarise 26 – 28 October at the Coca-Cola dome. Bring
friends and family! Plan your visit at www.retirementexpo.
co.za. Tickets cost just R60 for non-pensioners, R30 for
Pensioners and under 18 free.
Follow the Retirement expo on facebook http://www.
facebook.com/theretirementexpo and Twitter @
retirementexpo for news, updates and prizes on offer.
PAGE 9
THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Start your
future here…
26 - 28 October 2012
09h00–17h00
Coca-Cola dome, Johannesburg
Thousands of South Africans are moving into their
50s and 60s with a whole new approach to retiring.
Far from being a time to slow down and resign
yourself to being ‘old’, retirement can be one of life’s
best stages.
Opportunities for new hobbies, interests, travel, even
relationships and careers, are yours to explore if you visit South
Africa’s original Retirement Expo – for the time of your life!
For more information on visiting or exhibiting,
please contact: 011 549 8300
[email protected]
www.retirementexpo.co.za
Like us:
Follow us:
@retirementexpo
PAGE 10 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Reaching Great Heights for Muscular Dystrophy
From Left: Solly Bobat, Aasha Mehta Bobat, Nirode Bramdaw, Angelique van den Berg, Fatima Sacoor, Meena Mehta, Hajira Omar, Cecil Reddy, Shaheeda Loonat, Sangeetha Bramdaw and Harish Mehta.
A group of Durban hikers, aptly called The Meanderthals will
climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in October in aid of the
debilitating disease of Muscular Dystrophy.
The group, comprising friends, plan to summit on October
18th and have pledged their dynamic efforts to elevate
awareness about Muscular Dystrophy and raise funds for
the Muscular Dystrophy Association of South Africa.
“All the members of the Meanderthals enjoy great mobility
and good health, and this attempt at Mount Kilimanjaro is
our way of sharing our fortune of good health with those who
are less fortunate and suffer from Muscular Dystrophy,” said
Meanderthals’ chairperson Shaheeda Loonat.
The ten Meanderthals climbers have asked that individuals
sponsor them R300 per camp that they reach on the 5
consecutive days. These are the Shira Camp, the Barranco
Camp, the Karanga Camp, the Barafu High Camp and
Uhuru Peak - the Summit. “We are pleading with individuals
to sponsor us R1500 per climber for making the summit.
All funds will go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy
Association. We also invite socially responsible corporate
citizens of South Africa to contribute to this drive, for which
we will exchange branding opportunities on our Facebook
site and on the banner we aim to hoist at Uhuru Peak,” said
Loonat.
The Meanderthals and their progress up Mount Kilimanjaro
can be tracked on Facebook under their group name,
Meanderthals. This is their first attempt at Mount Kilimanjaro
and for some their first major trek.
Maxine Strydom, Deputy Director of the Muscular Dystrophy
Association KZN said that the effort is the first of its kind and
is to be lauded. “We are in dire need of funding to carry on
with our work at providing succour to those suffering from
the disease. As we are all aware, donor funding is difficult to
come by in these tough economic times and this wonderful
gesture would make a significant impact on the work we are
currently doing. We have a waiting list of 11 people right now
who need different types of equipment and care and this all
costs money. We will be able to help everyone on the list
with some good donations,” she said.
“We wish more people would think like the Meanderthals and
assist those less fortunate than themselves, whilst making
their own personal triumphs. It gives the entire journey that
much more meaning and impetus when you help others
whilst proving your own endurance to yourself,” said Strydom.
Loonat, who turned 60 in September, said that she has a
target of raising at least R60 000 from this initiative and
would, via the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, issue a joint
statement immediately after the summit at Uhuru Peak on
October 18, a month after reaching her milestone year. The
KZN Deputy Director, Maxine Strydom can be reached at:
[email protected]
Shaheeda Loonat can be reached on 031-701 8373
or [email protected]
Story Supplied.
Observing Muscular Dystrophy Month
Muscular dystrophy is still an invisible element in our South
African communities and still marred by lack of knowledge,
stigma and discrimination. The lack of knowledge
amongst the public remains an obstacle in the attainment
of social integration and support services for persons
affected by the diseases, therefore people affected by
MD (Muscular Dystrophy) presently remain marginalised
and vulnerable. Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month
carrying the theme “Your support means hope” is aimed at
raising consciousness through awareness, education and
promotion to the society at large in order to address these
issues. We aim to reach out to all persons affected and
not affected by MD and let them know that we can provide
support and information.
Muscular Dystrophies are a group of genetic conditions
that are characterized by progressive muscle weakness
and wasting of the muscles. There are more than 70
neuromuscular disorders, and in South Africa affects
1:1200 people. Sadly there is still no definite cure, however
physiotherapy is very important as well as a balanced diet
and exercise programmes can assist in living a better life.
Orthopaedic devices can alleviate some of the discomfort
experienced. In severe cases medication and surgery may
help. Some types of MD are Duchenne (DMD), Becker
(BMD), Fascioscapulomumeral (FSHD), Friedreich’s Ataxia
(FA), and Mytonic Dystrophy (MD). There are currently
many research projects in South Africa and world-wide that
are working on a cure for this disease.
The muscular dystrophy awareness month movement
began because of Dr. Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand
Duchenne, (born Sept. 17, 1806, Boulogne, France—died
Sept. 15, 1875, Paris), French neurologist, who was the
person first to describe several nervous and muscular
disorders and, in developing medical treatment for them,
creating an electro diagnosis and electrotherapy. He
explored the effects of electrical stimulation on diseased
nerves and muscles and rendered the first accounts of
several types of muscular atrophy and paralysis caused
by nerve disorders, including (1858) tabes dorsalis,
or locomotor ataxia, a muscular atrophy caused by a
degeneration of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and
sensory nerve trunks.
technology devices, an accessible physical environment,
wheelchair accessible transport, skilled care, respite care,
special exercise, special or inclusive schools, recreation
and, most of all, emotional support.
In the 1860s he described severe progressive muscle
weakness in 13 young boys, a condition that was later
named Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His invention of an
instrument (now known as Duchenne’s trocar) to remove
small portions of tissue located deep in the body founded
the diagnostic practice of biopsy.
•
The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa (MDF)
will during the month of September embark on a campaign
to raise awareness about the disease. People need to be
informed and educated about MD while people with MD
need to know that relevant and up-to-date information is
available as well as, special disability equipment, assistive
People need to know and understand that;
•
•
•
•
•
Muscular Dystrophy exists.
Persons affected by MD can be integrated and function
normally in society.
Persons affected by MD can be empowered to exercise
greater control and influence over decisions and
resources that impact on the quality of their life.
Their ability, skills and talents can be fully developed in
spite of a handicapped situation
They can be self-reliant and access the tools they need
to build self-confidence and dignity.
There is access to help
The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation endeavours to
address some of the challenges faced by affected persons.
We also endeavour to identify those affected and call upon
South Africans affected and those who are not affected but
know someone who is to come forward and register on our
member base
Further information is available on our website www.
mdsa.org.za or at our national office and branches in
Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, and Cape Town.
PAGE 11 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Lefa Manamela
Miss Photogenic
Simone Botha
Miss Deaf SA 2012
Sibongile Nhlapo
2nd Princess & Miss Personality
The Miss Deaf South Africa Pageant gala event took place
at the La Montagne resort in Ballito on Saturday and Simone
Botha of Cape Town took the title: Miss Deaf South Africa
2012.
Botha said afterwards: “It is such a great privilege and an
honour to be crowned. I would like to thank everybody for
the support that I received during the week. I enjoyed it
tremendously and had so much fun.
The role of Miss Deaf South Africa is to be an ambassador
for the country and to educate the hearing about the deaf
community.Twelve contestants from around the country
competed for the title during a five-day stay in Ballito.
“I learned so much from every single contestant. They are all
beautiful young women with stunning personalities and we
supported one another and worked together as a team.”
Julia Jordaan, a director of First Resorts Management, which
Up and Close with
Simone Botha:
On school years and growing up - After I received my
implant I was enrolled at the Carel du Toit Centre for the
Hearing Impaired in Parow. Back then my parents had the
very difficult choice to make: do they want their children to
learn ‘sign language’ or do they want us to learn to ‘speak
normally’? My parents chose to teach their two deaf children
normal speech, which certainly wasn’t easy for them. They
knew the road forward was going to be long and difficult, but
giving up wasn’t an option for them.
On family support - My mother, a psychologist at the time,
quit her job to raise and school her two children at home. My
father, who still works at the same job in Koeberg today, had
to work double shifts to financially keep head above water.
My parents made sure that my sister and I had as much
contact with the normal hearing world from as young as
possible.
Sanabelle Ebrahim of the Green Heart Movement presents Simone Botha
with a green hearted bunny-cat shortly after she is crowned Miss Deaf
South Africa. Bunny-cats are created by Hillcrest Aids Centre/Woza Moya
crafters.
Photo: George Tadden, First Resorts
On her background - I am the second oldest sister of four
children. My older sister is, Elnette Botha- the current Miss
Deaf Africa 2012. Our hearing loss is due to the defective
genetic mutation called Connexion 26. Both my parents and
my other two siblings have normal hearing. I was born with
a profound hearing loss. I received a Nucleus multi-channel
cochlear implant (a surgically implanted device coupled with
an externally worn speech processor which enables direct
electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve) at the age of 22
months. At that stage I was the youngest person in Africa to
receive a cochlear implant.
On dancing professionally - I was still a young toddler at
the tender age of two when I started taking ballet lessons
with Natalie Swanepoel. Ballet came very naturally to me
and I felt right at home on the dance floor. My continuous
ambition and love for dance carried me through out the years
and brought me to where I am today- a professional dancer.
I have danced with Cape Town City Ballet- South Africa’s
National Ballet Company, iKapa Dance Theatre, Bovim
Ballet and have worked with many acclaimed national and
international choreographers. Being part of the professional
world of dance has given me the opportunity to do what
I love most, but most important of all it has shown others
that being hearing impaired doesn’t mean that we are not
capable of fulfilling our dreams.
On her other talents - At the age of five I was enrolled in
drama classes to build confidence as well as to improve
my speech. I entered in the Cape Town Drama Eisteddfod
and continued doing so throughout my school career. I did
not just enter, but brought home several awards. Acting
on stage came as naturally as dancing did for me. School
plays interested me and I played in the Jan van Riebeck
High School Production: ‘Die Koffer’ which toured to the
Fraserburg Arts Festival, Namaqualand Arts Festival and
Marisa Smit
1st Princess
manages the hotel, said First Resorts and Flexi Holiday Club
were proud to be part of an event that brings the hearing and
Deaf communities together.
“Our resorts have a strong ethic of involvement with their
local communities, and Miss Deaf South Africa forms part of
that initiative.”
This was the second time First Resorts had sponsored the
event.
ATKV Arts Festival. I even took piano lessons for a couple
of years. I also enrolled in modeling at the age of 9 to build
confidence, but the main reason for my modeling career
was to improve my command of the English language as
Afrikaans is my mother tongue. To be a part of the so-called
normal world it is essential to be able to understand and
speak English. Thirteen successful years in the modeling
industry has done wonders for me as a person. It gave me a
better understanding of other people, different cultures and
it broadened my mind.
On Challenges at School - School life was not always easy.
Children at primary school level did not always understand
me and I had my battles to fight. High School children are
much more mature and accepting. I am not afraid to stand
up for myself and that has helped me stand my ground
throughout the years. I successfully matriculated from Jan
van Riebeck High School in 2007 and continued my studies
at University of Cape Town (UCT). I graduated from UCT in
2009 with a Performers Certificate in Dance. I am currently
studying part time through UNISA for a BSC in Psychology
and Physiology.
On life in general - I am so grateful for all the opportunities
that I have been given. If a door closed for me it was because
another, a better one, was opened before me somewhere
else. I believe that all things happen for a reason. Even
the small things in life contribute to the bigger picture. All
stumbling blocks, setbacks and failures have made me a
richer human being. I am better for it. All that I am today is a
gift from above.
On being Miss Deaf SA 2012
I am very honored to have been awarded the title of this
year. I realize that it is a very big responsibility and I also
take it very seriously. The world still has much to learn from
the hearing impaired. It is my responsibility to bind these two
worlds and to make everyone realize that we have yet so
much to give to each other. I look forward to this year and I
hope that I will make you all proud.
PAGE 12 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Active Health
Column
with
Lorraine Petterson
increase your aerobic capacity you will never enjoy the true
benefits of exercise or cardio.
Group cardio session at Ashley Village, Pinetown.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” Michael Jordan
Fitness doesn’t happen overnight.
Give your body the opportunity to change and you’ll reap
the rewards of your efforts and feel better & happier than
you have ever felt. I hear some of you groan and think, ‘what
does she know, I’m so overweight and so unfit that nothing
will ever help me’. I love it when anyone says this as I’ve seen
incredible changes to so many people, including those who
are severely impaired and overweight. BUT, there is a secret
all these people shared: Without exception they desired that
change: They were willing to work to make it happen: They
all imagined themselves stronger, fitter, leaner, happier.
In the months to come we’ll have different guidelines and
programmes for exercising but this month, let’s start with
one of the most important aspects of physical fitness –
cardio respiratory endurance or Cardio as its best known.
This is the foundation of all fitness and by increasing your
aerobic capacity your lungs, heart and blood vessels will
function at a much higher level and your body will enjoy
improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients and more efficient
waste removal. Have you ever done something that has left
you, hot, sweaty, gasping for breath with a pounding heart?
That’s your respiratory system battling to cope. Until you
VISIT www.thisability.co.za TO SEE THIS MONTH’S
SPECIAL OFFERS
Let’s start with 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week and by the
end of the 2nd week see if you can build up to 4 or 5 times a
week for 45 minutes a day. Make it a routine, embrace it, don’t
be scared of it. Enjoy that awesome feeling after exercise
when the endorphins (feel good hormones) run through your
body, it is such an incredible, uplifting experience and one
you’ll want to repeat over and over. You don’t have to be a
member of a gym and whether you are able bodied or mobility
impaired you can make your choice from this list. 30 minutes
of walking (legs or wheelchairs), gentle jogging/walking
combination, freeform dancing to music, cycling, swimming,
air boxing, wash the car, walk the dog, climb the stairs, use
your ‘Zoom’ ball to play with your family or for those severely
impaired, use a passive exerciser to move your limbs and get
the circulation going.
Whatever you decide, get out into the sunshine, smell the
freshness in the air and enjoy yourself. Don’t think of it as hard
work, know you are finally doing something to improve the
quality and quantity of your life and it can only get better from
now on. NB. Before embarking on any exercise routine, I
strongly advise you get the all clear from your doctor and/
or therapist.
DMS brings Music to Open Air School
Open Air Students during a music lesson
The Durban Music School (DMS) in collaboration with Rand
Merchant Bank Fund have for the past year been working
intensely on a music program at the Open Air School. The
Open Air School is situated in Glenwood and is a primary
and high school for children who are physically disabled.
There are now 82 children who are receiving music lessons
and one of the teachers Maxine Matthews commented on
her experience as a music teacher at the school.
youth music development and had spent most of his career
involved with teaching and training young musicians. The
Durban Music School is a Non-profit organisation which
has a Section 21 company status and is run by a board
of Directors headed up by the Chairman Bongani Tembe.
The school relies completely on sponsorships and donations
to do the amazing work it does and achieve the level of
excellence it has achieved.
“Having started teaching a mere four lessons once a
week I, as well as the other teachers, are now teaching
an average of eight lessons there each week. I can
easily say that these lessons are the ones I look forward
to teaching the most out of my schedule. The children
at this school are some of my most dedicated students
who have grasped the opportunity to study the art of
music with all of their willingness.”
One of Werner’s ambitions is to make music education
available to children who would not normally be able to
afford or have access to music tuition. The school has 410
children who all receive a full music bursary and this includes
an instrument, lessons in practical and theory, exam fees,
transport costs, sheet music and ensemble training.
Eleven years ago professional clarinetist Werner
Dannewitz realised a dream when he opened Durban
Music School. He had always been passionate about
Resolutions and Declaration by
Please contact Kim Matthews on 0836269739 for more
information regarding the Durban
Music School and its bursary program.
Congress Resolutions: Part 1
Persons with Down Syndrome
11th World Down Syndrome Congress: Cape Town, South Africa
WE, THE DELEGATES OF THE 11TH WORLD DOWN
SYNDROME CONGRESS: Advancing Inclusion of Persons
with Down Syndrome, assembled here in Cape Town,
South Africa from the 14th – 18th August 2012, hereby
reaffirm our commitment to the promotion, protection and
implementation of the human rights of individuals with
Down syndrome and intellectual disability. We recognise
that a fundamental shift has taken place at international
policy level with the adoption and entry into force of the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCRPD), signalling a move away from
practices that segregate people with disabilities to an
approach that seeks to promote their inclusion in all sectors
of society in respect of human rights. In order to achieve
this goal we urge governments and communities globally to:
• Develop mechanisms for ensuring access and support
for all learners with Down syndrome and intellectual
disabilities to educational opportunities within single,
inclusive education systems that ensure that all learners
are able to learn and develop to their full potential; and
participate and benefit equally in the process of teaching
and learning in their local neighbourhood schools with
all measures of reasonable accommodation in place;
and that all teachers are equipped with the skills to meet
their needs;
• Recognise the unique contribution that individuals
with Down syndrome and intellectual disability have to
make in a society that values diversity and facilitate their
participation in all aspects of community life;
• Reaffirm that every human being has the inherent
right to life and recognise the need to disseminate
accurate information about the capacity of people with
Down syndrome to live a good life;
• Acknowledge and promote self-advocacy and specific
support measures that empower the individual so that
they have increased control of their own lives and that
their voices are heard by legislators, policy shapers and
makers, programme and service providers;
• Ensure that the rights and needs of persons with
Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities should
be recognised and championed at all levels by the
entire disability sector through the promotion of
self-representation or representation by their chosen
advocates. There should be cross-disability solidarity
and the adherence to the principle of “nothing about us
without us”;
(To be continued in the next issue)
PAGE 13 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Deaf Association Training
Active Rehab Exe
rcis
er
Z
B a ll
m
o
o
THISABILITY SPECIAL PRICE
r 29 9. o o
each
incl vat
Normal Retail Price R399.00
plus postage and packing R30
Oyena Mzamane,Executive Chef Krishna Reedoy,Thembanani Khambule,Siyamthanda Ngwenya
In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, September 2012, the KwaZulu-Natal Deaf
Association would like to highlight two projects they implement in partnership with eDeaf and
Tsogo Sun at Garden Court in Umhlanga. These projects assist in the capacitating of Deaf
persons to be trained in various retail outlets and to be trained as Deaf chefs, respectively.
The KZN Deaf Association, in partnership with eDeaf, has embarked on the recruitment
and placement of Deaf persons in SETA accredited learnership training programmes
with major retail and other corporations. eDeaf is a Deaf owned BEE company,
established to provide a holistic service to the employer and the Deaf employee. In
the past 5 months, the Association has assisted eDeaf in the screening, interview
process, recruitment and training of over 80 Deaf candidates in KZN. These trainees
will embark on a one year learnership, which covers both theory and a practical
component. Thereafter the trainees will receive a SETA Accredited National Certificate.
Active Rehab Exerciser gives an amazing upper body
cardiovascular workout which also strengthens muscles,
improves co-ordination & promotes flexibility and mobility
of joints.
Use with either 1 or 2 people.
The fun way to exercise and
improve fitness levels.
Young or old, this Rehab
exerciser is a hit at all
times and is an ideal way
to integrate families.
They then have the choice to either remain in the employ of the company or they may
utilise the certificate to secure alternate employment. The photograph below are of the
Deaf learners undergoing a 3 day training programme for one of the retail corporations.
The partnership that the KZN Deaf Association has with Tsogo Sun, more specifically
Garden Court Umhlanga, began over 2 years ago with a pilot project to provide Deaf
persons, who have a passion for the food and hospitality industry, with an opportunity to
be trained as Deaf chefs. The Association was involved from the onset with the design
of the kitchen during the building of Garden Court Umhlanga. Kitchen staff has been
through basic Sign Language training and Deaf sensitisation conducted by the KZN Deaf
Association to enable them to better communicate with and understand the Deaf students.
The kitchen has a flashing light system with the different colours that indicate when the
orders are ready, when hands need to be washed and when there is an emergency and
the building needs to be evacuated. The emergency lights can be found in all areas that
the Deaf student would go through while on duty, staff canteen and change room included.
The buffet dining area provides guests with a view of the open plan kitchen area where
they can see the Deaf chefs in action. Every 6 months, 4 Deaf persons are trained
through the hotel and work full time in the kitchen at the Garden Court Umhlanga. During
the 6 month period, the Deaf students will visit other Tsogo Sun hotels in Durban for
a week at a time to expose them to different aspects of the industry. On completion of
the 6 month period, the Deaf students then decide if they would like to pursue being
a chef as a career and if yes, then they are placed in other hotels within the group in
the Durban area to gain further experience. The Garden Court Umhlanga will then take
on a further 4 Deaf students who have been selected and screened by the KZN Deaf
Association and so the cycle continues. Via the KZN Deaf Association, Garden Court
Umhlanga has also worked with Fulton School for the Deaf, where pupils visit the hotel
for a day each month to expose the pupils to the industry and a possible career as a
chef. The photograph below are of Deaf chefs in action at the Garden Court Umhlanga.
Colours
C
l
may vary
‘& win
SMS
Zoom Balls
LFLSHHF-.0,/
sms cost R1.50
AND WIN ONE OF 10 ZOOM BALLS
COMPETITION CLOSES 15 OCTOBER 2012
Contact: Tel: 031 7644 246
email: [email protected]
Cell: 082 329 7638 (Lorraine)
www.mobilitysolutions.co.za
For further information please contact either Dale or Upasna at the KZN Deaf
Association on 031 2012261/2012408 (Tel) or email [email protected] /
[email protected]
Autism Conference: 18-19 October 2012 in Pretoria. Individuals diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder – as well as all practitioners, academics, professionals, parents and
care-workers involved with Autism Spectrum Disorder – are invited to attend the Association
for Autism’s 2012 Conference: Autism: Practical South African Solutions.
The conference takes place at Olympus Stream Wedding & Conference Venue, 47 Neptune
Drive, Olympus, Pretoria. Register and pay by 26 September to take advantage of the
Special Early Bird price of R1 350 per delegate. Regular registration: R1500 per delegate
includes lunches, refreshments and course materials. 12 CPD points will be applied for.
For further information, please contact Anna Atkins at 012 993 4628
or email [email protected].
SETA Training at KZN Deaf Association
Karen Key
on Radio
The DISABILITY REPORT
...tune in every first Tuesday of the month @ 21h.05
PAGE 14 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Jumping Kids
Initiatives
At an Avis-sponsored event
hosted by Hope School in
Westcliff, the Jumping Kids
Prosthetic Fund changed
yet another young life by
fitting ten year old Ntando
Mahlangu with carbon fibre
Cheetah blades.
Mahlangu, a learner at Pretoria School for the Disabled, was
born with hemimelia - (no bones in the lower part of his legs)
- and has been in a wheelchair all of his life. Earlier this
year the decision was made to amputate both Ntando’s legs
through the knee at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. The case
was referred to Jumping Kids and, because of Ntando’s
ability to move (and dance) on his stumps, it was decided
that so-called ‘running-blades’ would be the ideal solution.
Originally from Mpumalanga, Ntando is an only child.
Because the boy’s mother has health problems, Ntando’s
grandmother, Pauline Mahlangu, is his guardian and the only
family available to take care of him. He has love for music,
singing, dancing and football – the latter of which he will
soon be able to participate in, thanks to his new prosthetic
legs. Jumping Kids is a non-profit organisation that was
launched by Johan Snyders, (CEO of Icexpress Progressive
Prosthetics), in 2009 to address the need for young South
Africans living with amputations to gain access to cuttingedge prosthetics. To date, the fund has assisted more than
30 children with the help of donors and corporate sponsors
such as Avis South Africa. Avis has been collaborating with
Jumping Kids since the start of 2011 and, through their
contributions, Jumping Kids is able to continue to identify,
assess and assist young amputees across South Africa.
Johan Snyders, CEO Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund, with a few of the kids in 2010
Each Jumping Kid beneficiary becomes part of the
project for a minimum period of three years. During this
time; regular assessment takes place to ensure that the
sponsored prostheses are adjusted as the kids grow, and
that rehabilitation programmes are adjusted accordingly.
“Our main goal is to provide children with amputations
with the tools to develop to their full potential – to attend
school, participate in sport, and gain as much independence
as possible. To achieve this, the support of donors and
corporate sponsors is crucial. It is an honour to collaborate
with Avis in changing yet another child’s life”, says Snyders.
Paralympic sprint-star Arnu Fourie with Jumping Kid Hloni Koalane
at Tshebedisano Primary School in Soweto
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Paralympic Gold Medallist, Samkelo Radebe with Ntando Mahlangu
Story Supplied: Liezel van Rensburg,
Email:[email protected], Cell:+27 82 550 9294
competition
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The Riverside Hotel & Spa Durban North, KwaZulu Natal
Tel: (031) 563 0600
email: [email protected] www.riversidehotel.co.za
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s7INNERSWILLHAVEDAYSTOCOLLECTPRIZES
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PAGE 15 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Quads 4 Quads
Gruelling days of dirt, dust & mud!
By Lorraine Petterson from Mobility Solutions
Quads 4 Quads 2012, the biggest off road bike event of
its kind in the world, saw the completion of its 9th down
run, from Carnival City on the 27th September to Ballito on
Sunday 30th September.
This incredible off-road quad & motorcycle event from
Johannesburg to Durban and back, is the brainchild of
Family Adventures, an off road adventure company, run by
Glenn Foley and Corinne Andrews who have so far donated
an amazing R5 million in the last 8 years to their beneficiary,
QASA (Quadriplegic Association of South Africa).
A total of 850 riders including 10 quadriplegic & paraplegic
riders, participate eagerly in this epic event, which covers
1,000 kilometres off-road, over ever changing terrain, from
farm lands, to rolling hills, through dense forests, onto mind
blowing mountain passes filled with boulders and rocks, into
rivers and over mud banks. Every day these riders take on
250 km of the most breathtaking and sometimes frightening
terrain, stopping only once each day for a fuel stop and quick
lunch break.
The camaraderie experienced on every one of these trips
is humbling. Riders helping fellow riders who have broken
down, run out of fuel or find themselves suffering from heat
stroke or exhaustion. All along the route one encounters
heart warming events of riders donating gifts of food etc to
the very poor who live deep in the rural areas and who stand
at the side of the trails transfixed as these ‘strangers in the
dust’ perform what seems like miracles as they transverse
the wild & very rugged terrain.
To every single one of these incredible riders, we say to you
“what an achievement, what a victory, you prove to us all
that nothing is insurmountable, all we require is the desire
and the want”.
Congratulations from the team at Thisability and all its
readers.
Cyclists to donate wheelchairs
The Amashova allows for great opportunity for
companies and organisations to use the race as
a team building opportunity. This year, Cycling for
Mobility an organisation aimed at giving wheelchairs
to those in need, will have the opportunity to team
build as well as raise awareness of their organisation.
Michelle Van Der Westhuizen (left) and Flavio Scarpa (right) from
Cycling for Mobility with Nobuhle Njapho from the South African
Post Office (XPS), the official courier company and one of the
sponsors for this year’s Amashova Durban Cycle Classic.
Some of the members of the team have previously
participated in the Amashova, with Scarpa having
completed 10 races and Michelle Van Der Westhuizen
having completed 4 respectively. This year, both riders and
their team will ride under the C4M banner for the first time
and look forward to the fun of the event. Scarpa says that
he sees a need for wheelchairs in this country and due to
the lack of income in some communities it is not possible
for disabled people to get around and be independent.
These wheelchairs will offer them independence and
Scarpa has gone as far as keeping wheelchairs in the boot
of his car, just in case the need arises on the side of a road.
Even though Cycling for Mobility will be participating
in the 106km competitively, they will still be on the
lookout for opportunities to give back, along the way.
For more information on the Amashova Durban
cycle classic go to www.amashova.co.za
or visit www.c4m.co.za
to read about Cycling for Mobility.
Diabetes Walk is healthy for all!
Kini Shandu from Gagasi FM with Jenny Russell from Diabetes SA
Durban office, Neville Pillay from Lotus FM and Fitness Specialist
Lisa Raleigh. Picture: S&A Marketing
It will be a healthy start for locals leaving the Durban
beachfront amphitheatre on Sunday, October 28 at 8am for
the annual Durban Global Diabetes 5km Walk supported by
Pronutro in order to raise funds for this worthy cause.
In addition to the Walk, there will be a festive health expo
which allows members of the public to receive free glucose
and blood pressure tests, a complimentary Pronutro
breakfast for the registered walkers and a host of exciting
activities for all .
Media broadcast sponsor and Lotus FM on air personality,
Neville Pillay will also be on hand entertaining the crowds
and offering loads of lucky draws.
The organisers goal is to attract over 3000 walkers this
year, that is why it’s important to register at uShaka
Marine World in Arena 3 outside the new Kauai restaurant
on Saturday, October 20th, Sunday, October 21st and
Saturday, October 27th from 08h00 to 13h00. Diabetes
SA personnel will be on duty to help with the registration
process.
The first 500 paid entries into the Diabetes global walk will
receive a free event Diabetes South Africa Global Walk
T-shirt courtesy of Accu-Chek. Entry fee is just R40 per
person with all proceeds going to this deserving cause.
Call Pat on 082 4995 222 or visit blogspot
www.globaldiabetesrunwalkdurban.blogspot.com
to find out more about the walk.
PAGE 16 THISABILITY
ISSUE: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012
Up and Close with
Natalie du Toit
Congratulations on your recent accomplishments at
the Paralympics. Your reflections on such an illustrious
career?
I believe that I have achieved everything I had ever wanted
to in the swimming sector. It has taken a long time but we
have finally done it.
You have become an iconic figure in sports – does that
put pressure on you and the fans’ expectations?
I think I have always put pressure on myself from a
perspective of achieving my goals and dreams and i think
those far outweighed the pressure from public.
You won the 2010 Laureus World Sportsperson of the
Year with a Disability Award-what did the Award mean/
does the Award mean to you?
What would you attribute your success to?
People behind your success?
I have had many people influences along the way and I
don’t believe I have achieved anything on my own. Values
are extremely important to me and living by them to the best
of my ability has helped me achieve what I have
(hard work, team work etc)
Are you involved with any disability initiatives
or charity work?
I was involved in both, the projects came to an end in
April this year, I now have to focus on what I would like to
continue with.
There are always challenges one encounters on the
path of success, please share with us what these
challenges were and how did you overcome them?
The important thing, is to focus on the outcome, sometimes
one has to step OUT of the box to ensure that the goal is
met.
Other sports interest you do besides swimming?
I have been a Laureus ambassador in South Africa for a
long time and it was special for me to represent Laureus
from the award side as well as the charity side of things.
The Laureus awards are known as the ‘OSCARS’ of sport
so it is known as the highest accolade in the world. It’s
definately an honour to accept the award on behalf of my
team and South Africa.
I was involved in waterpolo whilst I was at school, but in the
last 4 years i have been swimming training for approximately
6-8 hours a day (+-20km) per day in the swimming pool, so
there is very little time for any other
sport.
What do you do just before commencing
with any race?
I dont believe in looking back on life and regretting. There
were choices I made that were my choices and I accept
them.
I am usually very early to report for my race and purely
because I have missed some of my races before. I talk a
lot in the call up room. When I am at the block I have a few
rituals namely making sure my cap is on properly,
my goggles are not fogged and I wipe my hands on the
block (for them to be bale to feel the water a bit better)
Q&A Paralymic Profile
Anything you would have done differently up
to now? Any Regrets?
Where to from now?
I have decided to take a few months to decide what I would
like to do from now on. As for swimming I will be divorcing
myself from it for a while.
Natalie at the Laureus Awards
Disabled sporting cyclist
Powers Through Life
Enthusiastic, disabled cyclist Sister Maseko has been bound to a wheelchair since
2001, following a car accident that left him crippled, unable to walk or move normally
The setback did nothing to stop Maseko, who is
a warden at the Boksburg Correctional Services.
Before the incident, he used to participate in
marathons, and won numerous medals and trophies.
However, instead of running, he now competes in hand
cycling races, by using physical upper body strength to race
with his hands and thus moving a wheelchair forward.
This new undertaking has led him to claim numerous
medals and trophies in this respective field. Maseko has
proven to be a true inspiration and a role model for disabled
people, going the extra mile to help others.
Today Maseko plays a key role in encouraging and
creating opportunities for disabled people to participate
and compete in hand cycling races. He has already formed
a team for disabled hand cyclists called `Isukile’.
“Much more needs to be done to create opportunities for
disabled people in sports,” he however says.
He has, up to now, received six bikes, imported from the
US, designed for people who use wheelchairs. These will
be used to promote the sport.
He recently finished first in the SAP Striders Heritage
Challenge 21,1km meet in Durban.
Story Adapted.
SAP Stryders
Athletics in
Action
A strong contingency of athletes from all over
the country recently took part in the fourth SAP
Striders Heritage Challenge 21,1km R/W 10km R/W
challenge at Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban.
The Khuthazimpilo Athletics Sports Club from Newcastle
had over thirty participants with disabilities. Sheer
determination and will power won the day when
most of the athletes finished the 10km leg of the
race despite not having the right racing equipment.
The team is part of an NPO that strives to make a difference
in their region through sports and self uplifting economic
projects.
For more of their activities, contact Bhekithemba
Sibiya on 071 479 3822 or email:
[email protected]
Visit www.thisability.co.za for more information and stories