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Johannesburg cannot claim to be a caring city if it fails to look after its most vulnerable residents.
This was said by Member of Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development Cllr Mpho Phalatse when she recently presented mobility tools and handed over certificates to people living with disabilities.
The event was hosted by City in partnership Blind SA & Skills For Daily Living and Johannesburg Disability Forum. About 30 people with disabilities who were trained on how to be effective communicators and cooking course were given certificates before MMC Phalatse presented others with 65 wheelchairs. One of the beneficiaries said she learnt cooking skill and was now able to cook at home for her family.
“Now is the time to go beyond awareness and focus on strategic projects. We must work together as communities and as residents of the City to ensure that we achieve more than just awareness,” said MMC Phalatse.
She said the odds were stacked against people with disabilities as most buildings lacked proper infrastructure to allow for easier access. She added that some people with disabilities have been ridiculed and treated like minors for their whole lives.
MMC Phalatse asked the recipients to have a positive mindset and added that the wheelchairs and assistive devices were meant to change their lives for the better and ensure their dreams become a reality.
“I want to believe that as you receive these wheelchairs and assistive devices today, you will make them part of your arsenal to go and explore the world. I dare you to believe in yourselves and see obstacles as challenges to be conquered. Let these devices open doors to a brighter future,” she concluded.
