Manguzi Gijima hosts successful games
FOR the first time since Covid, Manguzi Gijima last week held its 6th annual sporting games for people with disabilities.
Initiated in 2015 as an opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in sporting activities, this year's event was attended by various dignitaries, including the deputy minister of health.
The games took place at Shayina Stadium in uMhlabuyalingana.
The event included a workshop that afforded community members an opportunity to discuss issues facing people with disabilities and their families, such as increased transport prices for people with assisting devices; poor access to government buildings; lack of access to appropriate education institutions in the area, and the challenges they faced during the pandemic.
Manguzi Gijima co-founder Rael Sanzul said they worked hard with various stakeholders in national, provincial and local government, and further engaged with local organisations to overcome some of these challenges.
"Over the years, we have been able to provide transport to the wider community to improve participation, and highlighted key healthcare issues affecting not only people with disabilities, but the entire community," said Sanzul.
"Issues highlighted include sexual reproductive health, the importance of a healthy lifestyle,
HIV testing and good nutrition for the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease.
"Through the event, we have brought healthcare services to those who would have otherwise not had such easy access."
At the event, the minister and deputy minister signed a pledge committing to combatting and resolving these issues.
"We have moved from creating an opportunity for sports participation, and are integrating into all government and civil society departments to ensure the rights of people with disabilities are not overlooked. These issues do not only affect people with disabilities, but also their families and caregivers, as well as the entire community," he added.
Meanwhile, Moses Mthembu, who is part of Manguzi Gijima, is adamant that people living with disabilities are often excluded from government programmes, especially those living in rural areas.
According to Mthembu, the event aimed at showcasing that people with disabilities are able and can do anything.
“We used this opportunity to encourage each other as people living with a disability. To let each other know we are not alone,” said Mthembu.
Manguzi Gijima is now the national launchpad for National Disability Rights Awareness Month which is commemorated in November.