Two Moot locals chosen as ambassadors for campaign

Two people from the Moot have been chosen ambassadors for the 2019 Nappy Run campaign.

Nappy Run is an initiative by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities and is aimed at raising the awareness of the issues facing children with disabilities. It also advocates and lobbies for their rights, and raises funds to buy nappies for children with disabilities.

The campaign runs from 3 October to 3 December, concluding on an international day for persons with disabilities.

Jonathan Juliun Groenewald, better known as 2J Harmonix (the rapper’s stage name) in Eersterust was chosen ambassador for the campaign.

He has muscular dystrophy, which causes loss of muscle mass.

“Doctors said I wouldn’t live past the age of four, but I’m 36 now,” he said.

Groenewald said he was motivated by always trying to do better and more than he’s done before.

“People don’t know I used to play street cricket before my disability took a major turn,” he said.

“I would sit on the edge of the wheelchair as a spin bowler. I could also bat, and I would get an assistant to run for me.”

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He said he believed that as Nappy Run ambassador he can help bring awareness to the needs of children with disabilities.

“The Nappy Run fun run event itself is very important. It brings people together, raises awareness and creates camaraderie,” he said.

“Being an ambassador means a lot to me. People can look to me for motivation and for reasons to donate funds towards nappies for Nappy Run.”

Another local, Leandré Kibido was also chosen ambassador for the campaign.

Kibido has experienced much bullying and trauma – all because she’s living with Albinism.

Nevertheless, she says it’s helped to build her into a strong person and her difficulties have been part of shaping who she is today.

“I’m completely proud of my skin,” she said.

She said this was her first time being an ambassador for a campaign.

‘This will be my first time experiencing the role of an ambassador and I’m excited to be part of something so great,” she said.

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“To me, it’s a means to create awareness; to be a leader. I believe I’ve been given a chance to experience and learn about a new topic in my life and to represent and create awareness for this event.”

Leandré has been championing the rights of those with Albinism and, through the Nappy Run, is excited to be a voice for children living with disabilities.

She said many people think Albinism only affects one race, but that’s not true.

Some of the challenges she’s dealt with include not being able to participate in certain events due to the sun, and bullies.

“But I’m stronger than ever and proud of who I am today,” she said.

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