South Africa: Disabled Women Deserve More!

Breaking Barriers: Luthando Kekana’s Journey from Learner to Activist

“The police officers did not want to come down to me; they expected me to go up a flight of stairs in a wheelchair for them to take our statement. I vowed not to go away till we received assistance.”

This powerful statement by Luthando Kekana, a Disability GBV Peer Community Educator, captures the harsh reality faced by women with disabilities in South Africa. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation—a journey that began with a desire to learn and ended with a mission to fight for justice.

From Classroom to Community

After graduating from the Disability GBV Class, Luthando was determined to share her knowledge. She chose Tembisa Self Help Association for the Disabled (T-SHAD) as her starting point—a vibrant empowerment center where persons with disabilities strive for self-sufficiency through skills development and rehabilitation.

But the road was not easy. “The women with disabilities were still quite reserved, and it was men who spoke out on issues of abuse and disability,” Luthando recalls. The women’s silence spoke volumes. They requested a digital platform to share their experiences privately, signaling deep-seated fears and mistrust.

Resistance and Resilience

Luthando soon realized that her presence at T-SHAD was unwelcome. Management’s reluctance hinted at uncomfortable truths—possibly abuse within the center itself. Despite being asked to leave, Luthando refused to abandon the women who needed her. She shared her WhatsApp number, creating a lifeline for those in crisis.

That lifeline proved critical one night when a disabled woman called in distress. Beaten by her boyfriend, she had fled to Tembisa Police Station, only to face yet another barrier: inaccessibility. The station’s charge office was up a steep flight of stairs, with no lift or alternative route. Disabled women seeking justice were expected to climb—an impossible demand for wheelchair users like Luthando.

A Night of Defiance

In the dead of night, Luthando accompanied the survivor to the station, wearing her NCPD EWA T-shirt emblazoned with disability GBV advocacy messages. When officers refused to assist unless they climbed the stairs, Luthando stood her ground. “I will maintain my dignity and will not be carried up the stairs,” she declared.

Hours passed in the cold as police hoped they would give up. But Luthando’s resolve never wavered. Eventually, the officers relented, and a case was opened against the abuser. This moment of triumph was bittersweet—a stark reminder of systemic failures that make justice inaccessible for disabled women.

From Knowledge Seeker to Activist

Reflecting on her journey during an interview on SABC Radio X-K FM, Luthando said:
“I did not join the programme with the intention of becoming an activist. However, the situations I encountered helping other women activated the ‘activist’ in me.”

What began as a quest for knowledge transformed Luthando into a fearless advocate. Today, she dreams of establishing Disability GBV Support Groups in her community—a safe space where women can speak freely, heal, and fight back against abuse.

Why This Story Matters

Luthando’s experience exposes the intersection of gender-based violence, disability rights, and systemic discrimination. It underscores the urgent need for:

• Accessible justice systems: Police stations and public services must accommodate persons with disabilities.
• Safe spaces for survivors: Women with disabilities need platforms—both physical and digital—to share their stories without fear.
• Community-driven activism: Empowering individuals like Luthando creates ripple effects that transform lives.

Her story is a clarion call: Disabled women deserve more—more respect, more protection, and more opportunities to lead.

By: Luthando Kekana.