Community disability group in Nellmapius calls for support and funding
After seven years of home-based disability care, Khanyisa Centre appeals for funding to build a permanent hub serving Nellmapius and Mamelodi residents with disabilities.
Khanyisa Disability Centre, based in Nellmapius in Nellmapius Ext 22, was formed in 2018 and originally operated from a member’s home.
The organisation assists people with disabilities with home-based care.
Luciah Jiyane, one of the founders, said that many of the people who have received RDP houses in Nellmapius Ext 24 are people living with different kinds of disabilities.
“We saw fit to start an organisation that is aimed at assisting people with disabilities,” said Jiyane.
“We are helping them with laundry, bathing, getting them new wheelchairs, walking sticks for blind people, and taking them to the hospital or clinic when they have a doctor’s appointment,” she said.
Another member, Pretty Dhlomo, said the support organisation has found a new home, but lacks the funds to build a centre.
Dhlomo said the local councillor has handed the organisation a piece of land where they can build a centre.
“We desperately need funds for building material to build the centre, which will not only benefit Nellmapius residents but [also] Mamelodi residents living with disabilities.”
She said the organisation intends to address issues that people with disabilities face almost every day.
“The centre’s main objective is to systematically alleviate poverty through skills development and entrepreneurship programmes.
“We are working with different organisations and are calling all organisations dealing with disabilities to come on board to come and work with the organisation to help people with disabilities.”
“As an organisation, we don’t believe that people living with disabilities are unable to do something about their lives.”
He added that parents should not be ashamed of their children’s disabilities, the way they are, or the way they were born.
The organisation wants to help people with disabilities to get out and do something with their lives, believing there are families who still hide their disabled children from society.
“It is time they come out from hiding, and families must stop being ashamed of them,” said Dhlomo.
Anyone who wishes to learn more can contact Luciah Jiyane on 084 849 6848 or Pretty Dhlomo on 073 343 3411.
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