South Africa Disibility Month 2014

VOL. 2 ISSUE 9 www.thisability.co.za OCTOBER 2014

The Adoword Disability Trust, championed by TV personality Nhlanhla “Adoword” Ntuli, recently donated implements and machinery to Inanda Special School in Durban.

The donation of a stove, sewing and embroidery machines, gardening , welding and woodwork equipment were donated to the Agriculture, the Home Economics and other vocational units at the school.In a handover ceremony attended by family, stakeholders and well-wishers, the event was marked by pomp and fanfare as the school learners thanked the donors through entertaining songs, dance and performances that depicted the various skills the learners have acquired.

In a motivating speech to the attendees, Nhlanhla, a wheelchair user, encouraged the learners through lessons from her personal journey of life. “What was meant to be my disadvantage has become my opportunity. It’s your choice how you are going to see your wheel-do you take it as an opportunity or a problem?”Adding to the message, Sir Sipho Ngobese, also from the Trust, urged the parents and the learners with subtle lines “Don’t give up. Failing isn’t easy-yet you can fail with ease. It is the aftermath of failure that is hard to deal with.”His words were echoed by Master of Ceremony, Zama Mpungose, also

the HOD of the school’s Intermediate Phase, who spoke against common practices. “Don’t hide your disabled children. Opportunities and assistance are now available all around us for our once shunned kids.”

The Trust, based in Johannesburg, identifies and respond to assistance requests from disability initiatives throughout South Africa and has partnered with various business consortiums to address needs in communities. The team of the Trust has four young directors who were all present on the event. The other two are Clinton Bakasa and Lloyd Babedi. They were accompanied by one of their benefactors, Matla Asechaba, a Gauteng business consortium which funded this particular donation.

Inanda Special School is a learning institute for mainly Severe Intellectual Disabilities (SID) and was opened in Inanda, north of Durban in 1992. The school was later moved to Sea Cow Lake around Durban in 1996 to bigger premises. The school caters for 319 learners from ages 3 to 21. The teaching staff is 25 with a staff support of 45. The learners between 18 and 21 are mostly in the vocational phase.For more info on partnerships with the school, email the School Principal, Mr. Sipho Nkosi on [email protected]

INANDA SCHOOL

BENEFITS FROMTRUST

From left to right (standing): Mr. Dladla (HOD-Vocational Training), Mrs. DT Ngcobo (Vocational Training), Mrs. PP Zulu (Senior Educator-Vocational)Mrs. TN Zwane(School Board Chairperson), Mr Letebele and Mr Moraka(both from Matla Asechaba Consortium), School Principal, Mr Sipho Nkosi and

Mr Clinton Bakasa (Adoword Disability Trust). Front(from left): Mr Lloyd Babedi, Sir Sipho Ngobese and Ms Nhlanhla Ntuli (all from Adoword Disability Trust) Master of Ceremony, Zama Mpungose

PAGE 2 | THISABILITY VOL. 2 ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2014

Thank You South Africa

CASUAL DAY 2014 : THE YEAR OF BLING!BRING OUT THE BLING has been our song at the Casual Day office for the last 12 months and Casual Day fans loved this year’s theme and really pulled out all the stops to dazzle for disability this year. The dramatic blue colour inspired the country to rustle up a little razzle dazzle and be creative with hats, fabric, feathers, sequins and shiny things of all shapes and sizes.

What a birthday! We were privileged and honoured to work with one of the most extraordinary groups of people we have ever worked with - YOU! Plus the staff of Game and DionWired. Thank you so much for being part of our team. We all have a common passion for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and also providing material relief to some of the most vulnerable people in our country.

All in all we dispatched four million items from a double garage in Edenvale in four months. South Africans from Thoyohandou in the North, to Hermanus in the South, to Springbok in the West and Durban in the East had a ball.

What a 20th birthday and on behalf of the Casual Day team, the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA, and our national beneficiary organisations, we would like to give you a big, big blingy thank you to all South Africans who participated!

The exclusion of persons with disabilities from education is one of the biggest issues faced by persons with disabilities as it denies them the opportunity to develop their full potential on equal basis with others. But with your help, we are changing all that. We have 130 schools and educational centres that raise money for themselves through the infrastructure of the project and over 500 community based organisations that benefit.

And it is this community spirit in action that has helped make Casual Day the biggest and favourite fundraiser for persons with disabilities in South Africa. This proves that the Casual Day is still exciting for millions of South Africans who relish having the day off and dressing up to show their solidarity with persons with disabilities.

For 2015 we have three themes up our sleeve, which we are not saying a word about until it is officially unveiled! You will be the first to know. We hope and trust that the rest of 2014 will be as kind to you as you have all been to the Casual Day project - CASUAL DAY TEAM.

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BLING STARS....

VOL. 2 ISSUE 9 | OCTOBER 2014 PAGE 3 | THISABILITY

2015 Applications Now Open!

South West Gauteng College offers an opportunity to Grade 10-12 learners as well as youth seeking to further their education or advance their careers in the fields of Engineering , Business and Utility Studies.

With the immense influx and increased number of students' applications experienced in the previous years, notably 2014, when the college had to reluctantly send back many students that it could not enroll due to limited space, we wish to make the 2015 is even more limited!

SO, THE TIME TO APPLY AND STAND A CHANCE OF BEING INVITED TO ENROL FOR 2015 IS NOW!

We are therefore inviting all eligible and interested prospective students to apply for any of the following courses/programmes provided that they meet the set requirements:

Address all correspondence to Private Bag X33, Tshiawelo, 1817 / Distance Education correspondence to Private Bag X7, Pinegowrie, 2123

SWGC, Period! Enough Said!

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON APPLICATIONS PLEASE CONTACT ANY OF OUR CAMPUSES ON Tel: 086 176 8849 ∙ Fax: 011 984 1262 ∙ E-mail: [email protected] OR VISIT US ON www.swgc.co.za

MAKE THE WISE CHOICE, KHETHA AND APPLY NOW FOR 2015!

Application procedure:

1. Application forms can be obtained at any of the College Sites/Campuses and, or on the College Website; www.swgc.co.za 2. Completed application forms to be sent to any of the College Sites, by hand, fax, email or post using the details or addresses given below, but must reach the College no later than 30 October 2014 3. Completed Application forms must be accompanied by the following documents: ·Certified copy of Identity document. ·Certified copy of latest results/qualification 4. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than 15 November 2014

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

DHET BURSARIES FOR NEEDY AND ACADEMICALLY STRONG STUDENTS ARE AVAILABLE, BASED ON THE MEANS TEST

Head Office1822A Molele Street, C/o Koma Road,Molapo

Dobsonville Campus5604 Van Onselen RoadDobsonville

GeorgeTabor Campus1440 Mncube Drive, Dube

Molapo Campus1822B Molele StreetC/o Koma Road,Molapo

Roodepoort Campus1 Webber AvenueHorizon

Roodepoort West Campus1 Lawson StreetRoodepoort West

Technisa CampusCnr Main & Huguenot Blairgowrie

Contact CentreKlip Valley /Union StKliptown


EMPOWERMENT FOR DEAF COMMUNITY

RUNNING TO GIVE MOBILITY

Innovative new app from Convo uses Philips Hue’s connected lighting technology to transform the lives of deaf people

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Royal Philips, the global leader in lighting, is transforming the lives of deaf people through pioneering technology which empowers them to “hear” through light and offers a new dimension of sensory experience.

The Convo Lights app developed for Philips Hue, the connected lighting system for homes, uses light to notify deaf people of phone calls and other audible signals that they could normally miss. The app from Convo, a deaf-owned and operated company providing video phone and translation services to the deaf community, allows users to create personalized ringtones of light to identify incoming callers, and adjust the brightness in a room to make sign language easier to see onscreen.

Convo Lights is possible thanks to Philips Hue’s innovative open software platform, which, since its launch last year, has allowed third-party developers worldwide to create nearly 200 apps.

Convo claims the invention allows deaf people to redesign their environment into a visual world, feel more confident and stay better connected at home. It has transformed the businesses of deaf entrepreneurs, driving increased profits and custom as they no longer miss important work calls:

“Before Convo Lights, we missed over 50% of our calls,” says Russ Stein, the deaf owner of Mozzeria pizzeria in San Francisco. “Now we are on a par with non-deaf businesses and only miss 5%. Convo Lights help us run a more profitable business – we’re experiencing a higher volume of reservations and we feel like we’re able to walk into our own restaurant completely at ease, knowing that we will catch each call.”

“In making its API available to others, Philips Hue has empowered us to create a natural and smooth calling experience for the deaf community with Convo Lights,” said Jarrod Musano, CEO of Convo. “Deaf culture has found something which is both visually beautiful and endlessly customizable in Hue – a truly meaningful innovation. The response from the deaf community has been overwhelmingly positive, and this is only the beginning.”

Following the success of Convo Lights, the technology is now being adapted in collaboration with Philips to allow greater home automation for deaf people, including light alerts for door bells and smoke alarms.

Jeroen De Waal, General Manager of Connected Lighting for the Home at Philips Lighting, said, “From the outset Philips Hue was planned as an open system that makes it easy for developers to write apps to. The open API has gone from strength to strength, recently winning Top API for the Internet of Things at the prestigious Digital Accelerator Awards in San Francisco. We never foresaw Hue as a tool for the deaf community and it is great Convo has worked with our system to truly enrich people’s lives.”

Convo provides Video Relay Services (VRS), which allow deaf people to

Centurion, 16 October 2014 – Members of the Irene Athletics Club completed more than 1300 kilometres to raise funds for children living with amputations needing advanced prosthesis. The team of 21 took on the ‘Serious Fun Run’ by running a 24 hour relay from Centurion to Laingsburg over six days. The event took place from 28 September to 4 October 2014.Participants topped things off by competing in the 80 km Karoo Ultra Marathon on day seven of the journey where they won two club awards.The Serious Fun Run was conceptualised to celebrate Irene Athletics Club’s 20th year of existence and Jumping Kids was selected as the most suitable

communicate over the phone with hearing people in real time via a sign language interpreter. The new app seamlessly integrates the connected lighting features of Philips Hue with Convo Mobile VRS to offer life-enriching functions that were previously unavailable for the deaf community:

• Light alerts that enable people to see incoming video calls through light• Personalized light ringtones and differentiation between callers• Light notifications for missed calls so they stay better connected• Optimum lighting for deaf people to understand and be understood by their sign language interpreter

Philips Hue, the world’s smartest connected lights for the home, allows you to illuminate and control your home lighting directly from your iOS and Android device. The system offers a completely revolutionary way to experience and interact with light, redefining the possibilities of LED technology and making light integrated with our world to improve our lives.

Initially only available in the US, thanks to its success Convo is now planning to extend its services around the world.

International Week of the Deaf runs from September 22 and aims to highlight the achievements and concerns of the deaf community worldwide.

About Royal Philips:Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 113,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located www.philips.com/newscenter.

About ConvoIn 2009, Convo was founded by a small group of Deaf people who wanted to experience natural and effortless conversations through VRS (Video Relay Service) technology. Convo’s technologies are designed by Deaf/signing engineers who have a full understanding of the VRS and Home Automation experience. As a Deaf-owned and Deaf-operated company, Convo continues to push for the Deaf community’s ownership in how they want to experience their lives in the US and internationally.

For further information, please contact:

Jeannet Harpe Philips LightingTel: +31 6 53 722221E-mail: [email protected]

charity that would benefit from this unique fundraising drive.Jumping Kids is a non-profit organisation that facilitates access to latest technology prosthetic solutions for children in need. In doing so, beneficiaries get the chance to run, jump, get active and participate in sport just like their able peers.

Since the Serious Fun Run is all about a love for running, running in aid of Jumping Kids was an obvious choice.For more info, please contact Liezel van Rensburg in email; [email protected]

Irene Running Club


BEING DISABLED DOESN’T MAKE YOU SPECIAL BEING SOUTH AFRICAN DOES

UNIQUE LEARNING SYSTEMS FOR DEAF LEARNERS On the 28th July 2014 K2U implemented their learning system (Fundamental Maths Skills) as a pilot project with a group of St Vincent’s Students. An assessment was conducted of which the group average was 40%. The principal of St Vincent School for the Deaf Mrs Ingrid Parkin, who – being deaf herself, has proven that deaf children are just as capable of achieving their dreams and aspirations, gave K2U the green light to start their program with the grade 4 , 5 and 6 students.

With the tremendous help of St Vincent’s HOD Melinde Heine who not only helped with the interpretation of the lessons but really got involved in the assisting the program to work for the deaf children.

Greg Shapiro (founder of K2U) was flabbergasted by how quickly the children were understanding and grasping the concepts. They were having loads of fun and not even realising that they were learning at the same time. With

only five days of practising the students were re-assessed and achieved an average of over 90% as to the apposed 40%. “K2U Learning System is designed to give each child a proper set of learning and memory skills that will set them on the path of their own true academic and intellectual potential. Over and above the maths classes we teach the child how to become more reliant on text books for their own education, they are ingrained with a much deeper sense of responsibility and joy in the development of their own mind and academic achievements”, says Greg. With this program it has been proven that even grade 1 and 2’s have mastered their entire 12 times tables with 100% accuracy in a matter of weeks opposed to the normal three to four years allowed for in the curriculum.

K2U is now in the process of raising funds towards St Vincent School to further and expand the learning system to the rest of the students at the School. For more detail about the Project visit www.k2u.co.za.

In December 2005, I took my driver’s test in a small town in the Free State. I told the friendly, albeit mumbling officer that I was severely hearing impaired. I also told him that during the yard test I would be able to decipher his hand signals, but that when he got into the vehicle with me he’d better speak up — I would be able to hear him as long as he spoke clearly.

After a successful yard test, the officer got into the car and gestured for me to exit the parking lot. As soon as we were on the road, he frantically motioned for me to turn left. Approaching the first stop street the officer, with tummy puffed and shoulders pulled back, then bellowed at the very top of his lungs: “AT THE STOP STREET, TURN RIGHT!”

Now, I had a difficult and, I admit, a rather hilarious problem. Do I ask the officer to speak softer and risk him then speaking too softly? Or do I let him continue to holler? I decided on the latter — better safe than sorry. At the end of the test the poor man was out of breath and in desperate need of a glass of water.

Upon our return to the traffic department, I found my dad lying on the ground laughing. He later told me that he could hear us approaching from kilometres away. I passed the test and got my licence! Maybe I’m a good driver or maybe the poor officer was just scared of having to repeat the test.This story, which many have found hilarious over years of retelling, also speaks to how South Africans react when confronted with people with disabilities. Many immediately get apologetic, while others try very hard to compensate. There are also those who make fun in a conscious or unconscious attempt to lessen their own discomfort. Very few people take the time to ask questions

and familiarise themselves with you in order to correctly communicate with or treat you like the human being that you are.

All these reactions may be a global phenomenon but in South Africa, where there are still so many social and economic divisions, disability unfortunately becomes yet another cause for marginalisation. This while the government fails to make any meaningful effort towards dispelling the many myths about disability that still exist within most communities.According to a White Paper assembled during Thabo Mbeki’s presidency, there is a serious lack of reliable information regarding “the nature and prevalence” of disability in South Africa. The now outdated Paper paints a grim picture of living with a disability in South Africa, and as far as I can tell, nothing has changed. The lack of information about people living with disabilities in South Africa is due to the national census’ failure to clearly define and survey people living with various disabilities. Unfortunately, the White Paper also recognises “traditional attitudes” towards people with disabilities as a significant cause of misinformation in South African society.

Ensuring that disability policies are included in all government departments and actively appointing and educating people with disabilities to become fully functional members of society are crucial starting points. The White Paper does suggest that a public awareness programme be launched to educate the public and help to dispel prejudices against people with disabilities. There are two lines suggesting that the self-representation of people with disabilities can and should be used as a tool within this programme, but I believe that this needs far more emphasis.

Crowning a Miss Deaf South Africa or selling Casual Day stickers annually does very little to break down deeply rooted prejudices and discomforts. The responsibility falls in large part on people with disabilities to break the barriers and deconstruct misconceptions about themselves. Expecting the government to effectively address a community’s prejudices against people with disabilities by vaguely addressing this issue during Disability Month does not do near enough to cultivate lasting societal understanding or support.

Disabled South Africans need to take responsibility for furthering this conversation. I realise that it’s not always easy. I also realise that not all disabilities are as manageable as mine. I do however believe that by showing your friends, colleagues, neighbours and family that you’re willing to meet them halfway, and teaching them how to treat you will go a long way. Showing them that you believe you are worthy will make them view you as worthy as well.

Being disabled doesn’t make you special, being South African does.

By Maggie Marx

Maggie Marx works as a sub-editor at Son newspaper. She is passionate about reconciliation between South Africans from all walks of life.

Karen Key

The DISABILITY REPORT...tune in every first Tuesday of the month @ 21h.05

on Radio


SUPPORTING SA’S TALENT

SHOULD SASL BE MADE OFFICIAL?

My Job - Recruitment Specialist: DisabilityRustim Ariefdien is an entrepreneur with disability, who specializes in disability empowerment and human capital. He is partnering with Status to provide his expertise to enable us to deliver the best services and solutions in disability recruitment, skills development (including learnerships), and guidance on BBBEE legislation and workplace compliance.

His professional career leading to his current occupation began as a Labour Research Assistant with SALDRU at UCT, after which he then spent several years working in a managerial capacity in the Disability NGO sector, within the protective workshop industry (first, with Cape Mental Health Society; later, with WC Cerebral Palsy Association). Between 1997 and 2006, Rustim founded and ran Altitude Workforce Solutions, a Temporary Employment

Services Company specialising in disability recruitment.”

Rustim is an active contributor to numerous disability initiatives, volunteering his expertise and playing facilitative roles across the sector in order to empower people with disabilities and address pressing issues concerning disability employment on an ongoing basis. These have included:

• Association for People with Physical Disabilities• Camphill Farming Community in Hermanus;• Institute for the Promotion of Disabled Manpower;• Western Cape Network on Disability and the Services SETA;• Epilepsy SA’s National Skills Fund Project (WC branch) which covered 550 Learners with Disabilities;• Helped deliver over 2, 000 Skills Development interventions in the form of Learnerships• Job Access Programme of the Department of Public Services and Administration, Extrinsic CC, Siyaya Skills Institute, Boston City Campus and Business College.

Rustim is married and has four children, two boys and two girls.https://www.facebook.com/StatusStaffingTwitter: @statusstaffingEmail: [email protected]: 021 421 1917

As South Africans joined other nations of the world in observing International Week of the Deaf (22-28 September), the Department of Social Development supported all efforts to elevate the debate to make South African Sign Language an official language in South Africa.

Deaf persons continue to experience high levels of marginalisation and exclusion due to a general lack of understanding of Deaf culture, lack of South African Sign Language proficiency, and the availability of and expense associated with professional sign language interpreter services. This limits the social participation and integration of Deaf persons. One way of addressing this marginalisation is having South African Sign Language recognised as an official language in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the country needs to seriously to discuss this matter if we’re going to walk the talk in advancing disability rights.

The theme for the 2014 International Week of the Deaf is “Strengthening human diversity”, which calls for society to be sensitised so that it can better enhance its capacity to take into account diversity and make needed changes. Part of this, according to World Federation of the Deaf, is obtaining recognition of sign languages in all legislation and policies and the right to receive education in sign language.

The announcement by the Minister for Basic Education that South African Sign Language will be introduced in the curriculum of schools in 2015 is therefore an important step in the quest for equality for Deaf South Africans.

The Department of Social Development encourages South Africans to learn South African Sign Language, to include Deaf persons in their social circles at home, work and places of worship, and to take action, speak out against any discrimination, abuse or other forms of human rights violations perpetrated against Deaf persons.

The Department also acknowledges that not all Deaf and hard of hearing South Africans speak sign language, as they rely on sub-texting and lip-

readers to access information on an equal basis as their hearing peers. The broadcasting media in this regard plays a particularly important role, and regulating bodies such as ICASA should strengthen legislation and their oversight in ensuring that sub-texting on television programmes, DVDs etcetera is available.

In his June 17 State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma said government will continue to advance and improve the lives of people with disabilities over the next five years.

“We will work with the Disability sector to identify key areas in which we should fulfil South Africa’s role as signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. Another key intervention this term will be to finalise the National Disability Rights Policy which includes the National Disability Rights Framework. The Policy and the Framework will guide Government action to promote a more inclusive society and to promote the involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making processes,” said President Zuma.

The Department of Social Development has committed to working with Parliament, national, provincial and local government institutions, as well as Chapter 9 institutions and organisations representing Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, for the full implementation of Articles 9 and 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as it pertains giving equal access to communication and information

to Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons through the recognition of sign language and availability of appropriate technology.

Building a united and cohesive South African society is the responsibility of every South African. Together we move South Africa forward through empowered and inclusive communities that uphold the rights of persons with disabilities to equality, dignity and self-reliance.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTMedia inquiries to Lumka Oliphant 083 484 8067 or [email protected]

ADVERTISE TODAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

ALL THE BENEFITS!


50 WHEELCHAIRS TO 50 PEOPLE FOR A 50TH BIRTHDAY

BLUE CRANE ARTS: THEATRE BY PASSIONATE YOUTH

Lead SA teamed up with Casual Day to honour the birthday desire of a guy whose wish it was to hand out 50 wheelchairs to 50 people, rather than have a 50th birthday party, to honour his wonderful grandmother.

Organisers of Casual Day responded to the call to facilitate the handover and immediately sprang into action at the Sunshine Centre Association in Craighall. Sunshine is one of the 300 community-based organisations that render services in the field of disability and benefit from the sales of Casual Day stickers. Sunshine Centre Association has three centres: Craighall, Germiston and Eldorado Park.

Coordinators Shannon O’Keefe and Michael Ngobeni were excited to receive

Blue Crane Arts was formed by husband and wife team, Shalendra and Neena Pitamber. The aim of the company is to showcase talents through an inclusive approach, by integrating special needs and mainstream actors and audience.

The cast The team leader of Blue Crane Arts is Sundhika Pitamber, diagnosed with a visual impairment. Against the odds, the Grade 12 student continues her studies in a mainstream school. Among the challenges she was dealing with was bullying. Through her personal experiences, motivation and mentoring, she is able to encourage the cast to perform at their best.

Sixteen year old Athenkosi Mavana has cerebral palsy. The surprise factor is when one watches him walk, he tends to drag his feet. When on stage though- his dancing prowess comes to life. The restricted movement of his feet is ‘invisible’ to the audience.

Melusi Ngcobo (eighteen years old in the lead role of the uMthakati), has a shunt inserted into his head since a toddler. This has led to a learning disability. When one watches him perform, it’s almost magical as he has the ability to take the audience into a believable onstage experience.

Araav Ranglall (eight years old) has classic autism. In his everyday life, he avoids direct eye contact with people and blocks out any loud noise. On stage however, he thrives on audience interaction and enjoys the sound effects and music on stage. Bonginkosi Xaba, with cerebral palsy also plays a leading role.Dance choreography was done by Athenkosi Mavana and Mnqobi Mngomezulu.

The plotThe story, uMthakati, is about a misunderstood ‘sangoma’. The idea of physically creating a face for the uMthakati through the use of dramatic make-

the first five wheelchairs – another ten visits will take place all over South Africa during the next couple of months.

They speak with passion about their love for the work they do.

“One of the greatest challenges for organisations like this is the payment of school fees. What we have found in all three centres is that 90 percent of parents we have contact with are single mother-households who have been left to take care of a child. There is still a lot of stigma attached to having a child with a disability. Often children are misdiagnosed in hospitals with moms saying that they feel there could be something wrong with their child.So we facilitate a referral where occupational therapists and doctors can make the best diagnosis,” says Shannon.

“Often parents are not in a position to pay school fees at our centres and we do not like to turn them away,” states Ngobeni, “So we are always grateful to donors who would like to adopt a child. Catchment areas include Diepsloot, Berea, Cosmo, Thokoza and Vosloorus.”

Casual Day organisers thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and were honoured to facilitate the first handover of these five wheelchairs. The birthday guy wishes to remain anonymous, but he will receive all the footage shot of the handovers.

up, immediately captures the audience’s attention to form a judgement. This leads to the central theme of appearance versus reality. This family musical production is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave the audience wanting to watch it again and again.

Blue Crane Arts participated in the Durban’s Children’s Festival at Catalina Theatre during the third term school holiday. The audience included hearing impaired people. A sign language interpreter was used.

“ The experience was awesome. This was the second time I did sign language for a show. It was hectic but great”, said sign language interpreter, Sandile Mngadi.

Blue Crane Arts’ vision is to produce unique and meaningful theatre experiences within an inclusive social structure through integration of differently abled and mainstream audience and performers.

The initiative taken by Blue Crane Arts has been endorsed by Bruno Drunchen, the National Chairperson of Deaf SA.

Top L-R: LeadSA’s Tshaimo Ndlovu, Shannon O’Keefe with Oratile Lemao, Michael Ngobeni and Casual Day ambassador Nicole Laxton.

Bottom row L-R: Casual Day ambassador Khumo Moyane, Sunshine learners Diteboho Majara and Cindy Nchabeleng, with Casual Day ambassadors Thuli

Matlala and Tujay Harmonix.

Araav Ranglall

Athenkosi MavanaMnqobi MngomezuluSundhika PitamberBonginkosi XabaMelusi Ngcobo


POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK: SCHOOL SPORT /WAR ROOM INTERVENTION PROGRAMME POST - 11 PostsCENTRES:SALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (Salary Level 5)

REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:KNOWLEDGE: Public Service Act and Regulations, PFMA, Office Automation, Departmental Objectives, Departmental Business Processes and Departmental Policies, Project ManagementBEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Loyalty, Respect, Decision making, Honesty and IntegritySKILLS: Communication (Verbal and Written), Good Organization Abilities, Problem Solving, Administration and Coordination, Good Inter-Personal Relations, Programme Management, report Writing and Leadership Skills

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Render general clerical support services for School Sport and WRIP • Provide Personnel Administration Clerical Support Services for School Sport and WRIP• Provide financial Administration Support Service for School Sport and WRIP • Provide Supply Chain clerical support service for School Sport and WRIP. Enquiries: Mr JJ Mkhize (033-8979462)

POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK: SIYADLALA and CLUB DEVELOPMENT - 11 PostsCENTRES:SALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (Salary Level 5)

REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:KNOWLEDGE: Public Service Act and Regulations, PFMA, Office Automation, Departmental Business Processes and Departmental PoliciesBEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Loyalty, Respect, Honesty and IntegritySKILLS: Good Communication Skills (Verbal and Written), Good Organization Abilities and Problem Solving

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Render General Clerical Support Services for Club Development, Siyadlala • Provide Personnel Administration Clerical Support Services for Club Development, Siyadlala • Provide Financial Administration Support Services for Club Development, Siyadlala • Provide Supply Chain Clerical Support Services for Club Development, Siyadlala

Enquiries Mrs GPT Dladla (033- 8979458)

sport and recreationDepartment:Sport and RecreationPROVINCE OF KWAZULU-NATAL

Districts Reference No. Ethekwini DSR 24/14 Ilembe DSR 25/14 Sisonke DSR 26/14 Umgungundlovu DSR 27/14 Uthungulu DSR 28/14 Ugu DSR 29/14 Umzinyathi DSR 30/14 Amajuba DSR 31/14 Uthukela DSR 32/14 Zululand DSR 33/14 Umkhanyakude DSR34/14

Districts Reference No. Ethekwini DSR 13/14 Ilembe DSR 14/14 Sisonke DSR 15/14 Umgungundlovu DSR 16/14 Uthungulu DSR 17/14 Ugu DSR 18/14 Umzinyathi DSR 19/14 Amajuba DSR 20/14 Uthukela DSR 21/14 Zululand DSR 22/14 Umkhanyakude DSR23/14

POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK – 3 posts- CLUB DEVELOPMENT/ SIYADLALA - SCHOOL SPORT- WRIP

CENTRE: HEAD OFFICE: PIETERMARITZBURGSALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (Salary Level 5)REFERENCE: DSR 35/14REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:KNOWLEDGE: Public Service Act and Regulations, PFMA, Office Automation, Departmental Business Processes and Departmental PoliciesBEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Loyalty, Respect, Honesty and IntegritySKILLS: Good Communication Skills (Verbal and Written), Good Organization Abilities and Problem Solving

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Coordinate General Clerical Support Services for specified post applied for.• Coordinate Personnel Administration Clerical Support Services for specified post applied for• Coordinate Financial Administration Support Services for specified post applied for • Coordinate Supply Chain Clerical Support Services for specified post applied for

Enquiries: J Manikkam : Club Development (033-8979454) ∙ JJ Mkhize: School Sport (033-8979462) ∙ GPT Dladla: Siyadlala, Wrip (033 – 8979458)

POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK: HUMAN RESOURCES (2 posts)CENTRES: HEAD OFFICE: DURBAN SALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (salary level 5)REFERENCE: DSR 39/14REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:KNOWLEDGE: Public Service Act and Regulations, PFMA, Office Automation, Departmental Business Processes and Departmental PoliciesBEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Loyalty, Respect, Honesty and IntegritySKILLS: Communication (Verbal and Written), Good Organization Abilities, Problem Solving

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Provide Service Conditions• Provide administration in the selection process• Administer provision of human resource• Provide advice and process queries• Process administration documentation for payments• Capture data and maintain database

Enquiries: Mrs T D Naicker (031- 2421711)



PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION: KWAZULU-NATAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WILL BE GIVEN

PREFERENCE.Applications must be submitted on the form Z83 obtainable from any Public Service Department or the website www.dpsa.gov.za/documents/forms/employ.pdf and should be accompanied by certified copies of qualifications, driver’s license and ID document together with comprehensive curriculum vitae.

Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders must attach a copy of his/her Permanent Residence Permit to his/her application. Should you have acquired foreign qualifications,it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

NB: Certification date must not be older than 3 months. References should preferably include your present supervisor. Faxed applications will not be considered. Candidates must not send their applications through registered mail as the Department will not take responsibility for non-collection of these applications. Applications that do not comply with the above instruction shall be disqualified.

Note: Candidates must quote the applicable reference number. The abovementioned vacancies can be accessed on the website, www.kzndsr.gov.za.Forward your application, separately for each post applied for stating the reference number and the name of the publication in which you saw this advertisement, clearly marked for the attention of Pronel Personel, Suite 181, Postnet X9118, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 or alternatively applications may be hand delivered to Pronel Personnel, 169 Greyling Street, Pietermaritzburg.

Due to the large number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within three months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

CLOSING DATE: Thursday, 12 November 2014

POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK: SCHOOL SPORT CODES (2 posts)CENTRES: HEAD OFFICE: PIETERMARITZBURG SALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (salary level 5)REFERENCE: DSR 38/14REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Coordinate general clerical support services for School Sport codes• Coordinate Personnel Administration Clerical Support Services for School Sport codes• Coordinate financial Administration Support Services for School Sport codes• Coordinate Supply Chain Support Services for School Sport School Sport codes Enquiries: Mr PR Vayapuri (033- 8979460)

POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK: FINANCECENTRES: HEAD OFFICE: DURBAN SALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (salary level 5)REFERENCE: DSR 40/14REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Render financial accounting transactions• Perform salary administration support services• Perform bookkeeping support services• Render a budget support service

Enquiries: Mrs A Dayanarain (031- 2421719)

POST: ADMINISTRATION CLERK: ACADEMIES CENTRE: HEAD OFFICE: PIETERMARITZBURGSALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (Salary Level 5)REFERENCE: DSR 36/14REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:KNOWLEDGE: Public Service Act and Regulations, PFMA, Office Automation, Departmental Business Processes and Departmental PoliciesBEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Loyalty, Respect Honesty and integrity SKILLS: Good Communication Skills (Verbal and Written), Good Organization Abilities and Problem Solving

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Render General Clerical Support Services for Academies• Provide Personnel Administration Clerical Support Services for the Component• Provide Financial Administration Support Services for Academies• Provide Supply Chain Clerical Support Services for Academies

Enquiries: J Manikkam (033 – 8979454)

POST: ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE CLERK :SPORT CONFEDERATION CENTRE: HEAD OFFICE: PIETERMARITZBURGSALARY NOTCH: R 123 738 (Salary Level 5)REFERENCE: DSR 37/14REQUIREMENTS:• Grade 12 • Computer Literate• Code 8 Driver’s Licence


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Render general clerical support services for Sport Confederation• Provide Personal Administration Clerical Support Services for Sport Confederations• Provide Financial Administration Support for Sport Confederation• Provide Supply Chain Clerical Support Services for Sport Confederation Enquiries: GPT Dladla (033-8979458)


POST: SENIOR MANAGER: COMMUNITY RECREATION PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES(THIS POST HAS BEEN ADVERTISED PREVIOUSLY, CANDIDATES WHO APPLIED BEFORE MUST RE-APPLY)CENTRE: PIETERMARITZBURG HEAD OFFICESALARY: LEVEL 13, R 819 126 per annumREFERENCE: DSR 03/14REQUIREMENTS: • An appropriate Three year degree/National Diploma• 3-5 years Middle Management Experience• Valid code 8 driver’s license• Computer literacy• Willingness to work under pressure and beyond normal hours/weekends

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:KNOWLEDGE: Public Service Act and Regulations,PFMA,National and Provincial strategies ,Computer operation / office automation,Management reporting framework,Departmental strategic objectives,Batho Pele Principles ,Departmental business processes,Service Delivery and Service Level Agreements ,Departmental Policies,Procurement/SCM Procedures,Sport and Recreation policies,Provincial Objectives and Various Municipalities Objects

BEHAVIORAL/ESSENTIAL COMPETENCE: Knowledge Management, Problem Solving and Analysis, People Management and Empowerment, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Communication, Honesty and Integrity, Strategic Capability

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF COMMUNICATION WITH SA SIGN LANGUAGE

Tiny Handz focusses on the use of South African Sign Language as a communication tool within the special needs spectrum, where children or adults have communicative challenges due to Autism, Down Syndrome, ADD, Cerebral Palsy, Aspergers, Apraxia, Hearing Loss, Intellectually challenges & other medical conditions.It has been discovered that whén SASL is used as an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tool, alongside normal speech (whatever the language may be), it may enhance and better verbal communication and speech development. The idea is not to replace speech, but rather to accompany it to get better communicative results.The wonderful thing about using signs is also that it can be used with all age groups, even to communicate with babies from the age of six-months, all the way to older individuals who may have lost speech due to medical conditions like a stroke.South African Sign Language signs are different to Makaton (known British Sign

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION: KWAZULU-NATAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND FEMALE APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE.

Applications must be submitted on the form Z83 obtainable from any Public Service Department or the website www.dpsa.gov.za/documents/forms/employ.pdf and should be accompanied by certified copies of qualifications, driver’s license, ID document together with comprehensive curriculum vitae. NB: Certification date must not be older than 3 months. References should preferably include your present supervisor. Faxed applications will not be considered. Candidates must not send their applications through registered mail as the Department will not take responsibility for non-collection of these applications. Applications that do not comply with the above instruction shall be disqualified.Note: Candidates must submit separate applications for each post applied for quoting the applicable reference number. Forward your application, stating the reference number and the name of the publication in which you saw this advertisement, clearly marked for the attention of Mr RT Hlathi, Private Bag X24, Mayville, 4058 or place application clearly marked to Department of Sport and Recreation, Highway House, 2nd Floor, 83-93 King Cetshwayo Highway, Mayville in the application vacancies box provided. Due to the large number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within three months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

CLOSING DATE: Monday, 10 November 2014

Language also used in some areas of South Africa) as well as American Sign Language, although there are a few similarities. Those who have knowledge of these other signs, also admitted to SASL being more understandable and ‘making more sence’ if you had to compare with these others. Tiny Handz have been training throughout South Africa since 2008 and continue to see many positive results in schools, centres and private practises throughout. Training is open to teachers, therapists, caretakers, family members, social workers, doctors, support group members, parents of children & individuals with special needs, or just anyone wanting to learn South African Sign Language. To read some of our success stories, please visit www.tinyhandz.co.za and also to see our class schedule or e-mail us on [email protected] for any enquiries.Come discover the wonder of SA Sign Language!

Learners FromAanhouwen Centre, Somerset West

Lindie Van Aswegen signing BLUE

Muriel Brand School Concert

and leadership,Programme and Project Management ,Financial Management, Change Management, Services Delivery Innovation

SKILLS: Leadership, Excellent written and verbal communication, Computer Literacy, Integrity, Decisiveness, Sound business judgment, Flexibility, Analytic Thinking, People management, Project management, financial management,Diplomacy, Strategic planning, Driving, Policy Development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:• Manage the provision of Localized /leisure Recreation programme in the department• Manage the provision of Outdoor Adventure Recreation programme in the department• Manage the provision of Mass Participation and Campaigns Recreation programme in the department• Manage the implementation of department – wide community recreation promotion, development service delivery strategy• Manage the implementation of community recreation risk, integrity and internal control management plan.• Manage the Development and implementation of organized recreation support services reporting framework• Manage and utilize resources (human, financial, & physical) in accordance with relevant directives and legislation.

Enquiries: Mr. RT Hlathi (031) 2421715



“Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without”, according to William Sloane Coffin Jr. This is a critical aspect of our lives we need to keep on practicing, to understand what discrimination feels like, what inequality feels like and the severity of unfair treatment that this country continue to experience. It is all about driving greater inclusion of under-represented groups in all social indices

despite their ethnicity, socio-economic status, race, gender and sexuality, disAbility, religion and beliefs.

“Isn’t it amazing that we are all made in God’s image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people?” ~ Desmond Tutu. We need to stand for the rights of all - especially those with various types of disAbility - when it comes to issues of accessibility, safety, community acceptance, independent living and quality of life, full and active participation in society, equal access to education and employment.

Valuing our differences, we need to celebrate our diversity through working closely together to create awareness for a varied and vibrant society. It takes diversity to create anything worthwhile and not marginalise others considered to be objects of pity, dependency and care, considered to be nut, brave, a burden, tragic, pathetic, and less able or failures. As Neil Marcus once said; “Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity.’ It’s an ingenious way to live.”

Each of us is indispensible if we are to minister to a broken and wounded world. Together, in our gathered diversity, we form the whole. As Malcolm S. Forbes once said; “Diversity: the art of thinking independently together”. This is the one true thing we all have in common as people from various backgrounds and culture, and/or diverse business.

“Religions are different roads converging upon the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, so long as we reach the same goal”, Mahatma Gandhi. Diversity is not just a number, but is in our DNA and we need to celebrate it everyday as a symbol of mutual respect. It’s all about persuading through negotiating, problem solving, working with others, managing change, leading and sharing passion about promoting diversity and inclusion.

South Africa is a picture of diversity seen in her people, cultures, colourful

festivals, dresses and costumes, religions, flora and fauna and varying landscapes. “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stifled. I want all the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible”, Mohandas K. Gandhi. In expressing our diversity, we need to believe there’s more to a person than meets the eye and should strive to make everyone feel welcome to get to know us.

“I look to a day when people will not be judged by their skin, but by their character” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. I have a very clear ambition to see a South Africa as a distinctive country, standing apart from all others through the impact we have on the reputation and success of its people, and contributing to a sustainable and prosperous society.

The blood inside me is the blood inside you. Why must we try and hurt our brothers and sisters when we are all the same? “I feel my heart break to see a nation ripped apart by its own greatest strength – the diversity”, Malessa Dzeridge. If God have not made any difference in us, then who are we to differentiate in the name of God?

You can make a difference, since “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength”, Maya Angelou. Together, with limitations and without limits we can create a deeper level of understanding among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives as we reflect the cultural diversity of South Africa as a multiethnic country.

VALUING OUR DIFFERENCES

WORK4YOU HOSTS STAKEHOLDERS PROGRAMMEThe annual Spring Stakeholders event took place on the 14th of October to celebrate those who are involved with Work4you. This was also an opportunity to recognise all who support Work4you and welcome new members and employers.

The main speaker was Lizmari Either-Vosloo from Permoseal- an Open Labour Market Partner which employs four of Work4you members, who shared her experience of supported employment.

The presentation of the awards is always a highlight of the evening and this year was no different as Work4you presented the Employee of the Year Award to Michael Hyslop, a 21 year old young man employed at Merrypak and Print. The achiever’s award was shared between Luke Taylor (Work4you first graduate in co-operation with University of Cape Town) and Melikhaya Nhose.

Salesman of the Year went to Andrew Parker who earned the highest annual commission from private sales of Wagalots (dog treats)

The evening also showcased the members home industries and hobbies and was rounded off by the inspiring songs of the Rainbow Academy.

Work4you is a social enterprise that creates job opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities and acts as a bridge between special needs education and open labour market employment. The concept of the organisation began in 2006 at St Joseph’s Special Needs unit. Currently, work4you is supporting 22 individuals in 35 open labour market placements.

Members are trained at Work4you factory in Salt River where Wagalots are manufactured. Work4you prepares, secures and supports members in employment in the open labour market.

Lizmari Either-Vosloo Michael Hyslop Luke Taylor Andrew Parker


SADAG CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF MAKING MENTAL HEALTH MATTER

About SADAGStarted from the founder’s home, Zane Wilson, 20 years ago with one phone line – SADAG now has a 15-line counselling call centre manned by over a hundred volunteers helping tens of thousands of South Africans affected by mental health issues. With one in five South Africans suffering from a mental health issue, it’s tragically ironic that less than 1% of Government’s health budget goes to mental health.

Over their 20 years, SADAG has not only founded a unique crisis and intervention call centre, but provides community, education, upliftment and support. Many people suffering or affected by mental health conditions – from depression to trauma, Bipolar to Schizophrenia - don’t have community, family or employer support. Over 200 support groups are often the only places for people affected by mental health issues to get non-judgemental support.

While only 17.9% of South Africans are on any kind of medical aid, one of SADAG’s main functions is to advocate for patients’ rights with both Medical Aid Schemes and Government. It took two years, but Bipolar was finally recognised as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit. Fighting for therapy and psychology to stay a viable benefit was a massive undertaking and SADAG will continue to fight for patients’ rights.

SADAG is lobbying for significantly more investment by Government into mental health – in terms of budgets, Essential Drugs, facilities and training – and far more transparency in Government budgets. Employee benefits and frequent disqualifications of life insurance due to mental health issues is another continual battle.

One thing that has not changed in 20 years is SADAG’s commitment to improve the lives of individuals and their families affected by Mental Health issues. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s leading mental health NGO, and although tiny in number of staff, it has a wide impact with over 400 calls per day, over 200 Support Groups nationwide and 100 Volunteers. SADAG was established in 1994 in response to the absence of help lines, support groups, and talks for people with common and potentially disabling mental health problems, panic, depression, and all other mental health illnesses. South Africa has over 23 suicides a day and over 20 times as many attempted suicides every single day. SADAG runs the only Toll-Free Suicide Crisis Line in the country. This line remains unfunded. Where is the Government? Where is Vodacom’s Sharmeel Joosub; MTN’s Mr Sifiso Dabengwa; or Jose Dos Santos of Cell C offering help to keep lines open so that we can contribute to offer people care and crisis intervention.

Practical Disclosure: When? To Whom? What? How? So if you do decide to disclose, when would you do so? What should you say and do? How must the employee that you disclose to respond? Most executives, managers, supervisors, as well as HR and IR practitioners have not been trained to understand, manage or respond to mental health disclosure and needs. So just giving them your clinical diagnosis is going to be unhelpful. First, think through the whole process, and also plan what you want to say and how much information you want to give. Use this article as a guide.

Then contact HR, and ask for a private meeting with an HR practitioner that you can trust, or feel you can confide in. Ask that a health professional be present. Ask for (and get) their assurance that the information you will give will be kept private and confidential before you disclose.

Then keep your disclosure simple: outline your difficulty by general effects it has for you. Words to use are ‘I have a condition or illness that affects my thought processes, judgment or emotions’. If a bit more detail is seems appropriate, explain that your difficulty relates to for example ‘how I respond to stress’, ‘my neurological difficulty’, ‘my biochemical imbalance’ or ‘a brain function issue’. Then just

say that the difficulty you have is an impairment that makes you a disabled employee in terms of the Employment Equity Act and that you are entitled to affirmative action, including the right to reasonable accommodation, which you need and are officially requesting. How must the employer you actually disclosed to respond? First, they must respect the privacy of the disclosure you made and must ensure its confidentiality. Breaches – particularly by health professionals - have resulted in discrimination litigation and compensation awards. Then they must get medical advice, to investigate which reasonable accommodations are appropriate and will not be unjustifiably hard, and then provide them. Any safety issue the employer claims is present due to your disclosure must be managed by identifying and providing reasonable accommodation to address it.

People who disclose who may then be unfairly discriminated against (or be unfairly treated or harassed or victimized) do have rights and redress. If you are dismissed after disclosing a mental (or physical) disability, and no attempt was made to reasonably accommodate it, this will be an unfair dismissal, for which the CCMA can award a maximum of 12 months compensation. It is also likely to amount to unfair discrimination on the basis of disability, for which the Labour Court can award a maximum of 24 months compensation.

What to Read for More InformationPeople with access to the internet can visit the website of the South African Department of Labour (https://www.dol.gov.za) and search for the Code of Good Practice on the Employment of Employees with Disabilities. This Code can also be downloaded on https://www.labour.gov.za/legislation/codes-of-good-ractise/employment-equity/codes-of-good-practices-issued-by-the-minister.

Author: Peter Strasheim (BA, LLB, BProc, Admitted Attorney (n-p) Managing Consultant DLM Incapacity, Disability and EB Advisors and Consultants Drafter - Employment Equity Act’s ‘Code of Good

Practice on the Employment of People with Disabilities’ for Department of Labour 073 340 7596

(011) 486 0478 || [email protected]

Part 4


FIRST NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR SERVICES ROUNDTABLEcompetence in service delivery; suggested ways to address the many unmet needs for services; emphasized the value of training experienced, healthy, active and skilled wheelchair users to offer support services to users where there are scarce rehabilitation services. The key role played by community workers and educators in delivering integrated and inclusive services to children with mobility impairments in the community was driven home. The call to provide training and services closer to user’s homes was clear.A key purpose for hosting this event was to bring stakeholders together to assist in drafting a collective ‘call for action’ which could be used to influence key decision makers and drive progress in the quest for quality, accessible and affordable services to users wherever they live. UF is in the process of reporting findings and collating participant feedback so that this next important step can begin. This will be done under the strategic guidance of Mansur Cloete, director of the Uhambo Board, and an experienced wheelchair service provider.

You can read more about what participants had to say and about this proposed ‘call to action’ at http://wheelchaircon.wordpress.com

Uhambo Foundation(UF) hosted the first National Wheelchair Services Roundtable in Cape Town on 17 October 2014. Almost 90 people attended, including wheelchair users, parents, caregivers, community workers, seating practitioners, academics and service providers from across South Africa (and even beyond our borders), representing families, communities, NGOs, centres, schools, transport providers, educational institutions, and the Departments of Health and Social Development.

Manthipi Molamu, in her opening address (representing the Department of Social Development), reminded UF to back up the provision of an ‘appropriate’ wheelchair with accessible, quality SERVICES to help the child with a disability prosper and go on to become a productive and prosperous adult. Many participants have seen an increase in awareness around rights for wheelchair users and the need for appropriate wheelchairs over the past two decades. This was an important opportunity to reflect together on how effectively the sector is delivering on the much needed services and training (which support the wheelchair user). This is important to monitor especially in the light of our commitment to uphold international and local policy and guidelines around recommended practice in wheelchair service delivery.

During her keynote address, Elsje Scheffler reminded UF of the ultimate purpose of appropriate seating and services - to better the quality of life of the user and to enable users to access life opportunities of work, education, recreation and socialisation. She presented findings from a study of wheelchair services conducted in the remote Northern Cape, a region with a high unemployment rate, an area which shows what happens when all the recommended service delivery steps are not implemented. She challenged UF to think about whether the user was indeed getting access to ALL service steps. In this area users travel up to 800 km to receive wheelchair services at Kimberley.

The speakers, all experienced and passionate in their fields, used stories and photos to illustrate issues from the field. They urged UF to develop ethical

PASSIVE & ACTIVE EXERCISERS

Physically challenged people have just as much right to be as healthy and fit as they choose to be. No matter the disability there is either an active assistive device or a passive assistive device that can help them to health and fitness. But, it’s not just the physically challenged, what about the elderly, stroke victims, those in rehab, diabetics and the grossly obese? They too can attain levels of fitness with little or sometimes no effort.

Not possible I hear some of you say but yes, it is most definitely possible to any of the above. Passive exercising has been possible for hundreds of years, it used to be achieved by another person physically moving a limb for the other person and it would sometimes involve many trips to the physio at a very high cost. With the advent of passive exercise machines, this has all changed in a such a positive direction. Now the user can sit in the comfort of his/her own home and the machine passively exercises lower or upper limbs. Imagine being able to relax, watch TV, listen to music or read and enjoy a lovely, soothing session as the passive provides that much needed exercise.

Medical aids have finally had to sit up and take notice and they now accept them as an assistive device, depending on what plan you have. This is wonderful news because now so many more people can benefit from these incredible machines.

There are a number of different passives in the market and they all

By Lorraine Petterson from Mobility Solutions

essentially do the same job. Some passives have a built in LCD display showing calories used during a session (normally 30 mins), distance travelled, RPM’s, speed and time. However, the most important aspect in choosing a passive is that it has a built in safety cut out switch that turns the machine off automatically when a spasm or similar sudden, unexpected movement is felt. Some of the benefits of a passive exerciser are:• Improved circulation:

• Increase in cardiac capacity which promotes greater blood flow around the body;• Increase in mobility of the joints:• Decrease in muscle spasms: • Increased flexibility of muscles:• Relieves stress, promotes relaxation & assists in regular sleeping patterns:Tanya has owned her passive for nearly 4 years. She uses it every day without fail and has such a strong bond with it that she takes it with her when she travels to see her Mum. Tanya has CP and has been in a wheelchair for most of her life. She has endured hundreds of operations over the years on her legs and hips. Both her physio and surgeon gave their blessing for her to use a passive exercise, saying this was the best gift she could give heresle and she hasn’t looked back since then.

“My Passive exerciser has already changed my life for the better! It makes me feel so “Free” and has loosened up my legs a great deal. Additionally I no longer get stabbing pins and needles in my legs at night due to lack of movement. This exerciser is a life-changer as I am also now able to transfer much more easily. “ Tanya Gardy Excerpt taken from Mobility Solutions Facebook PageFor those who have the strength to actively exercise legs and arms there is a simple little invention that does this job incredibly well and those who use it often complain of stiff muscles afterwards.

The active exerciser sits on a counter top or can be fixed to the wall and then brought down to the user’s lap. Simple tension adjustment sees the user ‘cycle’ easily or progressively harder. For those with little or no grip there is an adapted version available which is ideal for quadriplegics, stroke victims, the elderly or those with neuromuscular disorders. Shown in the picture is Dean, a C5 quadriplegic who loves his adapted version and can use it comfortably on the highest tension.

Another fun active exerciser is the Rehab ‘Zoom’ Ball which was originally invented to help autistic children. On seeing how wonderfully effective this was we brought some into the country for the physically challenged and it’s now loved by everyone who tries one. Great for one person or two people and it gives an upper body workout of note. Lastly, tubes and bands are another brilliant fitness product that works with everyone, all the time.

So, at the end of the day, there is something for everyone. Passive or active, each one with huge benefits to health and fitness.

If you have any specific queries please email me on [email protected] and I will answer you personally.

Active HealthColumn

withLorraine Petterson

Group Discussion


MEDICS ASSIST IN COMMUNITY DRIVE

The MDSA 2014 Winners L to R: 1st Hermina Greeff,Miss Deaf SA 2014, Elazne Van Der Bergh and 2nd Princess Elrie du Toit.

On the 6th of September 2014 family members from Westonaria district coming from different areas and or locations came to be educated about the services offered by other organizations working hand-hand with the school, and most importantly on health issues or matters.The Forum was meant for families and the great part was uncles, aunts, cousins, and some biological parents of athletes come to the forum. The topics covered were as follows: Background of Special Olympics, Special Olympics South Africa, & Healthy Communities, Sexuality in broad and Empowerment & Socio-Economic Activities.

Family health forum participants received ample valuable information, which will influence their lifestyle, families and the athletes. sufficient information regarding SOSA, Special Olympics, intellectual disability, community involvement, sports, acceptance and how to include athletes in normal daily activities and in our communities. This was shared by Mashane Nthutang, the healthy communities’ coordinator for Special Olympics South Africa-and she simply became the MC of the day.

REGARDING THE HEALTHY ATHLETE SCREENING:The 6th day of September 2014, marked the 3rd screening of the year for SOSA, and as it was taking place, adjacent to the Screening Hall was also a Family Health Forum for family members of those with intellectual disability. The screening targeted athletes coming from Special Schools around

Elzane Van Der Bergh is Miss Deaf SA 2014.Crowned in Boksburg recently, the University of the Free State student says she was overwhelmed and blessed to have won the title and is already putting forth her plans during her reign.

The final year B.Ed. student says she wishes to use her teaching qualification to help school children with disabilities since education has always been her passion. The former Jim Fouche scholar says she is also currently a drum majorettes

coach at her ex-high school. Some of the Miss Deaf SA responsibilities include educating those who can hear about the deaf community and further dealing with issues such as unemployment, human rights, better communication and proper training institutions for the deaf.

The first Princess and Miss Deaf Photogenic was Hermina Greeff and the second Princess - Elrie du ToitAdapted: Thandi Xaba/OFM News

Westonaria, namely: Rotara, Itireleng, Itumeleng, Boiteko, Harvey Cohen and an adult disability centre, Epilepsy SA FS/NW branch Parys, and they were screened in the seven medical disciplines for free by the wonderful Healthy Athletes SOSA Team.

The day was filled with very committed Medical Professionals in the 7 disciplines (optometry, dental, physiotherapy, dietetics, general physicians, audiology, & podiatry, students in the medical field from Wits University (Dental Students and Professionals) and University of Limpopo (UL) Medunsa providing with the Physiotherapy, and Speech & Audiology students and most importantly the assistance of the newly recruited Medical Professionals from both the Universities and Medical Professional Associations joining us for the very first time.

BLOEMFONTEINER CROWNED MDSA


IPC DISCUSS 2020 GAMES

An artist’s impression of how the Tokyo 2020 national stadium will look © • Tokyo 2020

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board met in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday (7 October) to discuss which sports should be included in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Twenty-four sports were in the running for 2020 including the 22 sports that will feature at Rio 2016 together with para-badminton and para-taekwondo, two new sports that progressed following the initial application process.

A maximum of 23 sports can be included in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic sports programme and each sport had until 28 July to submit their application to IPC. Since then the IPC management team has undertaken a rigorous assessment of all applications received.

On Tuesday, the IPC Governing Board reviewed all the submitted applications and the management team’s recommendations, and then decided which sports should definitely be included in six years’ time.

Those sports not confirmed on Tuesday were asked to present additional information to the IPC addressing the issues identified in their applications.

The IPC Governing Board will make a final decision on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic sports programme early next year when it meets in Abu Dhabi, UAE, between 30 January and 1 February.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our aim from the start has been to make this as open and transparent a process as possible. We want to ensure that the final Tokyo 2020 sports programme is fresh and features the best sports possible.

“We can have up to 23 sports in Tokyo and, in consultation with the IOC, have agreed to finalise the sports programme and the total number of athletes in the New Year.

“Although some of the sports were rubber stamped for inclusion on Tuesday,

the final list of sports will not be decided until the next IPC Governing Board meeting in late January.

This gives an opportunity for those sports we have identified some issues with during the review process to present additional information for consideration by the IPC Governing Board.”

The 22 sports currently on the summer Games programme are: athletics, archery, boccia, para-canoe, cycling, equestrian, football 5-a-side, football 7-a-side, goalball, judo, powerlifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, para-triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. The two latest additions are para-canoe and para-triathlon, and both will make their Games debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Since the first Paralympic Games in Rome, Italy, in 1960, the Paralympic Games have continued to grow in size and stature. The first Games featured 400 athletes from 23 countries competing in eight sports - archery, athletics, dartchery, snooker, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair basketball.

At London 2012, the Games involved a record 4,237 athletes from 164 countries who took part in 503 medal events across 20 sports. A cumulated global audience of 3.8 billion watched the Games, whilst 2.78 million tickets were sold, making the Paralympics the third-biggest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

In 2010, para-badminton, intellectually impaired basketball, para-golf, powerchair football and para-taekwondo all applied to be part of the Rio 2016 Paralympic sports programme but were unsuccessful with the Governing Board instead choosing applications from para-canoe and para-triathlon. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be held from 25 August - 6 September 2020.

“We can have up to23 sports in Tokyo

and, in consultationwith the IOC, have

agreed to finalise thesports programme

and the total numberof athletes in the New

Year.”

BLOEMFONTEINER CROWNED MDSA


PARALYMPIAN SCOOPS TWO KZN SPORTS AWARDS

Prolific sportsmen and women and astute sports administrators were honoured for their sporting achievement and diligent administration of their sporting codes respectively at the 2014 KwaZulu-Natal Sport Awards held on October 4, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

KZN shot put and discus Paralympian, Tyrone Pillay was nominated for two awards; the KZN Sportsman of the Year with a disability and the coveted KZN Sports Personality of the year. The KZN Sports Personality of the year was

decided by public votes with some notable artists like Chad le Clos and Lucas Sithole also vying for the award. Tyrone scooped both titles.The awards, which are hosted under the auspices of the KwaKwaZulu-Natal Sport and Recreation in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Confederation, were hosted for the second consecutive year. They are aimed at recognising sporting idols and administrators who continue to instil passion for various codes among the fans both in Kwa-Zulu Natal and nationally. The Sportswoman of the year with a disability was won by Cornelia Fowler for swimming where she competed with wheelchair basketballer, Nonsindiso Constance Zungu.

About TyroneTyrone (34) was born with an abnormality of the left foot which resulted in the need for a prosthetic foot to assist him with walking. He is categorised as an above-knee amputee.Since 2009, Tyrone’s focus has been on rising to the top of his game in shot put and discus. He has competed in a number of events across the years including Gold Medal at the SA Nationals last year where he ranked fourth. In 2011 and 2012 he was a South African Champ and was ranked number one in Africa and made it as far as the provisional SA Paralympic squad for London 2012. He is, to date, the second South African in history to have thrown the shot put over 13 metres.Tyrone works closely with a company called Icexpress Prosthetics who designed a prosthetic foot that will improve his performances, allowing him the opportunity to compete at the highest level. He is also an ambassador for Jumping Kids Charity which aims to supply the latest in prosthetic limb technology to South African children in need.

For more information on the awards, please refer to the full list of nominees and winners at www.kznsportawards.co.za.

ETHEMBENI LEARNERS JOINS AMASHOVAThe Tsogo Sun Amashova Road Safety Bike Park gets visually impaired learners cycling.

The Ethembeni School for Visually Impaired and Physically Disabled Children, which is on the Tsogo Sun Amashova route, participated again in the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 35km race on Sunday, October 12th in order to raise funds for the school through various projects including the fundraising vehicle “Givengain”. Braam Mouton, Principal of Ethembeni School and Chairman of Achilles South Africa affiliated to Achilles International based in New York, who raise funds to take a team of disabled runners to compete in the New York City Marathon, is also actively involved in the Amashova and has cycled as a hand cyclist for Achilles KZN for a number of years. This year both Ethembeni and Achilles South Africa put a team together that included one junior para–partially sighted cyclist and one blind junior cyclist on a tandem who rode the 35km and around 7 hand cyclists, with some participating in the 65km and the majority cycling the 35km. One of the charitable projects that Mouton and his team supported through this year’s Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic is the “Cycling-kilometres-for-Ethembeni-students”.

The project looks at encouraging cyclists to adopt the cause by becoming an

activist on the GivenGain website and then cycling on behalf of Ethembeni to help raise funds to equip the school’s library with books in braille. Mouton says, “Thanks to the Amashova and their involvement in Ethembeni School. The event has built a Road Safety Bike Park at our school where groups of school children learn the rules of the road using a specially designed track and bicycles. This is run in conjunction with the Department of Transport programme for introducing road safety to learners at schools in Pietermaritzburg and Durban areas and is working well with a number of our learners”. The learners from Ethembeni School trained hard either by using the bike park, school gym on stationary bikes, riding the practice hills at Monteseal or riding along Durban’s beachfront. This was Sibusiso Zondo first time participating in a race and it was the first time the school has entered a tandem team. Ethembeni thank all volunteers for giving up their time to train and ride with the learners who eagerly awaited for the big day! To find out more about the school or the charity project visit www.ethembenischool.co.za and www.givengain.com

From left; Teboho Mokoena, Idris Mhlanga, Langelihle Buthelezi, Sandile Manana, Thando Magwaza, Margaux d’ Hangest d’Yvoy and Natasj

Tyrone Pillay with KZN Health MEC Dr Dhlomo

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South Africa Disibility Month 2014