Praises To Public Works for Supporting Differently Abled Persons (isiZulu)
Story and pictures by Vusi Shabalala
It was Tuesday 3 December 2019 when the Department of Public Works hosted a three-in-one event
in commemoration of World AIDS Day, 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children
and Disability Day. Sharing the podium with other guest speakers was Sherilee Matthews, the
department’s official who was very vibrant, brave but cool as she delivered a poem titled “His soul is
infinity”. Sherilee had to relive the life of a 15 year old boy, her sister’s son - who met his untimely death
while Sherilee was at a pinnacle of her wedding.
She got quite nervous as she began with the poem, got heart-broken ‘once again’ surely one would
understand. According to Sherilee, “his body started to fail him – he became fatigued, in pain and his
body could not cope” The young boy was now aware that it is ‘Leukaemia’ and “his face was white as
snow”. The shivering and sweating was overcome by the quietness of the auditorium as everyone was
patiently listening attentively.
In a nutshell, the event has begun to paving ways and means for us to realise the imperatives and effects
of being affected and infected by illness. It is time that we really must take stock and do what is best to
supporting persons with disabilities. One would consider the comforting ways such as listening first,
then respond; it is sometimes worthwhile to give them enough space they deserve; Do and give them
something they love most and assure them of your presence when they need it. However, one has to
bear the cost and pay the price – by making enough time to share quiet and sweet moments when
supporting differently abled persons.
Sharing messages of comfort with families, friends, and colleagues, within peers, groups and other
engagements also remains key as this leads to breaking the hidden barriers that ultimately serves the
good course of adding value to one’s life. Is it not the right time and space to relook at how we can
mend social cohesion for the benefit of those that are affected and infected? It is never too late though.
Sherilee may be on the right course – when you begin to relive the lost one, you are ready to accept
life and its potholes.
ulelwa Mbolekwa – the Chairperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind
As the programme unfolded, Bulelwa Mbolekwa, who is visually impaired has been on the line-up of
the guests’ speakers. Bulelwa matriculated through the Zamokuhle Special School for the Blind in
Bizana, Eastern Cape province. She is the Chairperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind and
also a proud mother of boy twins – today she stands firm as an academic graduate with LLB Degree
listed in her curriculum vitae.
Bulelwa had her fair share of the programme. Her formal address was on “Breaking barriers of
disability”. She is so eloquent and rightfully assertive. She regards herself a ‘risk taker’ who constantly
reminds everyone that “persons with disabilities are confined to taking risks in life”. According to her
“the world does not accept us”. “People with disabilities are still locked inside their homes.” She said in
an extreme thorough and careful manner. She made scepticism on “family disorientation” – how
families ill-treat, stigmatise and or disregard a family member who is living with a disability.
Another strongest appeal she shared was on “employment and employer” - how persons with
disabilities struggle to reach the highest job echelon in any work environment – amid the 7%
appointment rate required as compliance from each provincial department. At certain times one would
find a working environment not conducive enough to cater for the needs of persons with disabilities.
According to Bulelwa, she found comfort from the bible where it states that John the Apostle is the
author of Revelation and that he was foreordained by God to write it. Lastly was a concern on “public
discourse” about persons with disabilities labelled (good or bad) by communities in their absence.
“Some people do not accept me because of fear of the unknown – acceptance is very hard.” She
lamented.
In spite of all these barriers, Bulelwa has been vocal with praises and commendations towards
Mthinteni Nzuza, the Assistant Director Change Management and Service Delivery Improvement
Mechanism who persuaded and spearheaded her attendance. She also praised the department in
particular, for its role to taking a stance of supporting persons with disabilities needless the constant
emerging challenges. Let us continue what good we do to others and do it best.
“Start to embrace employees with disabilities” she appealed and her closing but challenging message
was “If you would wish to choose any disability in life – which one would you opt for?”