A young disable man form eMbalenhle is passionate about community development
"My disability is my ability," says founder and the chairperson of Sihlangene Information Centre.
Lucky Skosana (33) from eMbalenhle, who has a speech impediment, is passionate about community development.
Skosana is a founder and the chairperson of Sihlangene Information Centre, established in 2021, and supported by Sasol as an NPO.
Sihlangene has three information centres across the Govan Mbeki municipal area, two in eMbalenhle and one in Charl Cilliers.
The eMbalenhle centres are at the two secondary schools, KI Thwala and Thomas Nhlabathi, and the other at the Charl Clliers Multi-Purpose Centre.
Skosana said his organisation’s initial aim was to help disabled people with computer skills and provide access to information technology. However, this changed when more young people persuaded him to include them.
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“Young people and the disabled now have access to information technology for free and can access the internet free of charge, make CVs, check for work opportunities and apply for bursaries.”
Skosana wants to bring all the government agencies to these centres to give the community access to these services. Currently, residents have to travel to Secunda or Evander for help.
“My disability is my ability,” said Skhosana.
He first used his government grant to do seminars and buy school shoes for needy children. The organisation recognised him with the award for Gentleman With A Vision in 2019 and he received a community builder of the year award.
Skosana encouraged disabled people to reset their minds. He believes there is nothing an abled-bodied person can do that a disabled person cannot. Casual Day is the annual fundraising campaign of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
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Already launched, the campaign runs until September 1, which is Casual Day. The theme of Casual Day 2023 is #ShareASmile with Persons with Disabilities.
“This theme aims to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with disabilities in South Africa,” says NCPD national director Therina Wentzel. “A smile can trigger a positive chain reaction of wonderfully, uncontrollable proportions.”
In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to purchase Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1, and to wear them with pride on the day. Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where purchases can be made, or to order personalised stickers.
“Casual Day has raised over R404m since 1995, thanks to the wonderful support of members of the public who purchase their stickers from participating retail stores, participating companies, our 600+ beneficiary NPOs and schools that renew their participation every year. The proceeds go to persons with disabilities at schools, homes and workshops represented by the participating beneficiary organisations,” says Wentzel.
