The Tuscaloosa Spur in Springs Mall invited the Kopano Disabled Movement from KwaThema on October 22 for its birthday celebration.

Spur restaurants across the country will celebrate their 58th birthday on October 24. Forty people living with disabilities participated in the celebration. Ward councillor Charlotte Zitha and surprise guest Sizokuthola’s Xolani Khumalo joined them.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser at the celebration, Spur’s operational manager, Solly Phethle, said that this year’s celebration was about giving back to the community.

He said that having them at the restaurant was the beginning of the work that they plan to do for the movement in the future.

“We are aiming to work with various organisations that are near us to show our gratitude for their continued support of our restaurants,” said Phethle.

The celebration was filled with music, food, and gifts from the restaurant. Katie Malope, the centre manager of the movement, said the members were excited to celebrate with the well-known restaurant.

She said it meant a lot to people living with disabilities to be recognised and included in the restaurant’s celebration.

“We feel seen and recognised. The inclusion that we are fighting for as Kopano Disabled Movement is finally taking hold,” said Malope.

Malope said that businesses are shying away from hiring people living with disabilities. She added that they deserve to be part of the celebrations in their communities.

“Businesses must recognise people living with disabilities and partner with organisations that align with their values, as not all organisations serve the same purpose,” she said.

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Zitha expressed gratitude to the restaurant for hosting them in celebrating its milestone.

“This celebration touched their hearts because most of the time, they are confined to their organisations and homes,” said Zitha.

Khumalo said the day was about celebrating the restaurant, spending time with people often excluded by the community, and showing them love. He encouraged people living with disabilities in Ekurhuleni.

“They must continue to thrive. They are not different from us. In fact, many are exceptionally gifted – even if they cannot walk or speak, they can think and solve problems,” said Khumalo.

The movement sealed the celebration with a song of gratitude to the restaurant.

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