Human Rights violations against those who live with disabilities have resulted in the establishment of the Zozibini Nangamso Foundation for the physically challenged in the Eastern Cape.
The foundation, which has been established by youth, aims to address challenges such as discrimination, sexual and physical abuse, inaccessibility of buildings and public transport for people living with disabilities in the OR Tambo district.
Access to government services is another major challenge facing this population.
Ill-treatment of people living with disabilities is still rife especially in rural areas such as the OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo Districts.
Access to education, sexual abuse, and misuse of their social grants are some of the challenges facing those living with disabilities.
The establishment of Zozibini Nangamso Foundation for the Physically Challenged seeks to fight for the rights of this neglected population.
Founder Sisona Mditshane says, “I have an experience. I have been discriminated against at school even by the older people telling me that I have one eye and all that. So, I feel like if I create this foundation I can bring back the confidence of the people who are disabled. And I can bring back the confidence to know that they are capable of doing anything with the disability or not.”
Wheelchair-bound Zebron Ntsiba says accessing government buildings and using public transport is a challenge for him.
“Our main challenge is inaccessible buildings here in Mthatha. We cannot go to the second or third floor. That is when you realise that really you are disabled because you cannot go to the offices.”
Activist Pinky Mkhathala says rejection at home and at workplaces remains a pain for most people living with disabilities.
“We are even rejected by our own families. Sometimes, if you are physically challenged, you feel more pain when people do not want to take us as the people with disabilities. We ask the government at least to help us not to sit at home doing nothing, but to have a job. Because if we apply for jobs they do not even recognise us.”
Social Development MEC, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi has applauded the foundation for advocating for the rights of those living with disabilities.
People living with disabilities want the government to put into practice what is enshrined in the constitution in terms of recognising them. They feel excluded in many government programmes, especially those living in rural areas.
