Siyakwazi Takes a Stand for Disability Rights Awareness Month – Advocating for a More Inclusive Society
PRESS RELEASE
KwaNzimakwe, South Africa – November is Disability Rights Awareness Month, a time to not only reflect on the progress made for individuals with disabilities but also to renew our collective commitment to building a more inclusive society. Siyakwazi, a community-based nonprofit organisation near Munster, is at the forefront of this cause on the KZN South Coast, championing children with disabilities in rural communities and promoting inclusive education.
This month, Siyakwazi invites the community to witness their impactful work firsthand and is calling on local businesses, schools, healthcare practitioners, and South Coasters to step up and show their support for people and children with disabilities. The organisation advocates for the rights of these individuals, ensuring they receive the care, education, and opportunities they deserve.
Cathy Mather-Pike, Director of Siyakwazi, highlights the urgency of the cause, saying: “UNICEF estimates that 1 in 10 children around the world may face a disability or a barrier to learning. In South Africa, people with disabilities are still among the most marginalised and stigmatised. Disability Rights Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that we need to start advocating at a community level. That’s where real change happens when everyone works together to make sure people with disabilities are included and supported.”
Fiki’s Journey: Finding Her Voice, Advocating for Others
In light of Disability Rights Awareness Month, Fiki Ngeleka, one of Siyakwazi’s fieldworkers, shares her personal journey and how she found her voice while advocating for children with disabilities. “Growing up, I was often isolated and ridiculed because of my disability, and teachers didn’t step in to help. Siyakwazi gave me the strength to accept myself, and now I use my voice to speak up for children with disabilities so they don’t have to face the same discrimination.”
Siyakwazi’s community-based approach has upskilled Fiki to bring about change at a grassroots level. “Through Siyakwazi, I’ve learned that accepting myself was the first step to being accepted by others. Now, I’m proud to be the voice for children with disabilities,” Fiki says. “My goal is to make sure all children know they are valued and important, and that they never feel as marginalised as I once did.”
As Disability Rights Awareness Month progresses, Siyakwazi encourages the public to support the rights of people with disabilities by advocating for inclusion and accessibility across all sectors of society. Fiki’s journey is a powerful reminder that advocacy begins in our own communities. By taking action locally, we can build a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is treated with dignity and respect.
Siyakwazi relies on the generosity of individuals to offer educational support, resources, therapy services, and more to children with disabilities and learning barriers. To learn more about Siyakwazi’s programmes or to donate to this cause during Disability Rights Awareness Month, please visit www.siyakwazi.org.
What is Disability Rights Awareness Month?
South Africa observes National Disability Rights Awareness Month each year from 3 November to 3 December. The month culminates on 3 December, which marks both the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and National Disability Rights Awareness Day.
Disability can result from a range of impairments, including physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental, and may be present from birth or acquired later in life. Disability Rights Awareness Month serves as a crucial opportunity for everyone to take action in breaking down barriers and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through meaningful, concrete efforts.