Disability only a label, not a disadvantage

KwaThema – Jabu Malinga (58) says he is ready to help restore the dignity of people living with disabilities in his community.

At the age of five, Jabu was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, losing the function of his legs.

The 58-year-old runs a confectionary business from his kitchen and has employed three people.

Jabu says disability is only a label that people give you, not a disadvantage.

“I am tired of people who feel sorry for disabled people and disabled people who don’t want to take charge of their lives.

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“Being disabled should not stop them from chasing their dream but encourage them to work twice as hard to attain the dream.

“People must stop trying to find excuses not to work and be empowered because they are disabled,” he says.

“As people with disabilities we cannot wait for hand-outs for the rest of our lives but must make it work for us.”

Jabu says a lot of people with special needs are ill-treated by their family members and end up thinking they are worthless and in need of hand-outs.

“This should not be the case; we are as human as anyone in this country and deserve to be treated as such.

“I was fortunate to have a supportive family and training to accept myself and my condition.”

Jabu says he is prepared to share some of his confectionary skills to help empower disabled people in his community.

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“I know many of the disabled people in this community were not as fortunate as me to receive formal education and skills training.

“I am ready to share and train them in confectionary while they get paid.”

Jabu calls on people living with disabilities who are ready to be empowered to contact him.

“Your physical condition should not limit you. If other people around the world are able to do it, why can’t you?”