South Africa: Disable but Able

“I am disabled but able to perform the hard work.” These words from Elias Moleya echo the resilience and determination of a community that refuses to be defined by limitations. In the rural heart of Limpopo, South Africa, the Mamadi Advice Centre has become a beacon of hope for people living with disabilities, proving that inclusion and empowerment are not just ideals they are achievable realities.

Breaking Barriers Through Advocacy

Before local government stepped in, Mamadi Advice Centre had already taken bold steps to identify and support people living with disabilities in the Blouberg area. This grassroots initiative filled a critical gap, ensuring that those often overlooked were given a voice and a platform. Through its tireless work, the organisation demonstrated that non-governmental organisations can often move faster and more effectively than formal structures in addressing urgent community needs. The impact has been transformative. Today, individuals who once felt invisible now understand their rights. Those who could not speak have enrolled in sign language classes, opening doors to education and communication. This is more than progress. It is dignity restored.

Mandela Day: A Turning Point

On 18 July 2022, Mamadi Advice Centre hosted a dialogue to mark Mandela Day. For many, it was a day of profound affirmation. The message was clear: disability is not a fault, nor a burden, but it is part of the human experience, shaped by the hands of a creator who makes no mistakes. The event celebrated diversity and challenged stigma, reminding everyone that people with disabilities are not defined by what they lack but by what they contribute.

A Mayor’s Promise

The campaign’s success resonated beyond the community. The Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor travelled 160 kilometres to join the celebration—a gesture that spoke volumes about commitment and solidarity. In a heartfelt speech, the Mayor quoted scripture, drawing parallels with historical figures who lived with disabilities yet led full, impactful lives. The promise that followed was even more powerful: to celebrate a birthday with the community on 23 August 2022, bringing not just cake and refreshments but tangible support—wheelchairs for those who cannot walk, blankets for comfort, and resources for caregivers.

From Dialogue to Action

True to the promise, change began almost immediately. Within two days of the campaign, plans for a dedicated disability centre were set in motion. This centre is more than a building, it is a foundation for sustainable projects that will empower people living with disabilities economically and socially. It symbolises a shift from charity to opportunity, from isolation to inclusion.

Making the Impossible Possible

For Elias and many others, Mamadi Advice Centre has turned the impossible into possible. Recognition by local government is not just an achievement for the organisation, but a victory for every person who has felt marginalised because of disability. It is proof that advocacy works, that voices matter, and that communities thrive when everyone is included. As Elias reflects on this journey, pride shines through: “We are proud because God chose us to be disabled.” These words are not about resignation, they are about acceptance, strength, and purpose. They remind us that disability does not diminish humanity; it enriches it.

Why This Story Matters

This narrative is a testament to the power of collaboration between civil society and government. It underscores the importance of recognising and upholding the rights of people living with disabilities, not as an afterthought but as a priority. It challenges stereotypes and calls for continued action to ensure that inclusion is not an event but a way of life.

Mamadi Advice Centre’s work in Blouberg is a model for other communities—a story of resilience, advocacy, and transformation. It is a reminder that when we invest in people, we invest in progress.

By: Elias Moleya