The Tsakane Sono Foundation’s (TSF) launch took place at Letsibogo Girls High School in Meadowlands on December 6.

The TSF was founded by Tsakane Sono, a community advocate, occupational therapist, and former Miss Soweto.

She believes people living with disabilities deserve the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and access the resources they need.

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“Working with people living with disabilities has exposed me to the many disadvantages in our communities for the disabled, like stigma and unequal access to opportunities and resources they need to live a full and functional life.

“The launch was also in honour of Disability Rights Awareness Month, to show our communities that people with disabilities are also contributors in society and our communities,” said Sono.

She hopes the foundation will support those living with disabilities and their families, reminding them that they are not alone and are able.

Artist Lethabo Shai, a dancer living with a disability, motivated the crowd by sharing her journey as an amputee who does not let her disability get in the way of pursuing her passion.

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Shai is dedicated to challenging stereotypes and building a more inclusive entertainment industry, where disabled artists are recognised as skilled professionals. She runs workshops with schools in disadvantaged areas to create accessible, meaningful art.

The NPO will collaborate with organisations and secure sponsorships for assistive devices, run community programmes to address the stigma around disability and campaigns to donate items that will help the daily running of NGOs and homes of people living with disabilities.

Nhlanhla Tshabalala from the Nhlanhla Tshabalala Foundation shared how he and Sono met and how their relationship has grown because of the vision they share: To give back to the community.

“I want to congratulate the TSF and commend them for what they do and are about to do for the community,” he said.

He closed with a Bible scripture from Malachi 3:10, adding that may there be abundance in the foundation.

With the tagline No Limits. Just Possibilities, Sono closed the launch by saying that there are no limits to what a person can achieve with the correct support and structures in place.