November 20, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
THE humid breeze blowing off Florida Lake carried the laughter and joyful shouts of more than 1 000 disabled children and their 200 caregivers who gathered on the banks to celebrate an early Christmas with City Parks and Cell C.
Wearing clothes emblazoned with logos from the City's environment utility and the cellphone company, and carrying the legend International Day of the Disabled, the children sat under the shade of a tent erected a few metres from the lake's edge.
They were joined by officials from City Parks and Cell C; the member of the mayoral committee for environment, Prema Naidoo; and musicians and TV personalities, Zola 7 and Lesego Motsepe.
The party was held at the Roodepoort park on Friday, 16 November; the special guests were youngsters from hospices and orphanages catering for the needs of children with physical and mental disabilities. They came from Harvey Cohen, Vutomi'Nyiko, Nkanyezi, Stimulation Home, and Woodside Sanctuary, among other facilities.
Christmas in the Park, the theme of the party, was held to mark International Day of the Disabled Person and to highlight the plight of disabled people. City Parks and Cell C have adopted the initiative as part of a strategic vision to ensure that all outdoor recreation facilities cater for the disabled.
The two groups are urging city planners, developers, and the corporate sector to consider the needs of disabled people in any construction plans.
Lack of services
Naidoo said that although Joburg was one of the fastest growing metropolises in the world, it lacked appropriate services to accommodate the needs of disabled people.
These children were special, he said. "Our city is made up of all kinds of people … It is due to pay respect to every single one of them." The City came across as caring for all its people; "that is our mayor's vision".
An early Christmas party: City Parks hosts a range of fun activities at Florida Lake
Luther Williams, City Parks' managing director, said: "It is mandatory [for this] organisation that all new parks and cemetery developments include entrance ramps. Outdoor facilities [should] include hiking trails, touch and smell gardens, play equipment and ablution facilities for children with disabilities."
Zola 7
Then it was Zola 7's turn. The children mobbed him, shrieking wildly and pushing and shoving to get a glimpse of – or even to touch – their hero. Zola 7, whose real name is Bonginkosi Dlamini, has taken children with disabilities under his wing, joining up with Cell C in support of the cause.
He urged the parents of disabled kids not to hide them, as happened in many communities, but to take them to school and help them get the appropriate help and education they deserve. "These are our kids, and we love them," he said.
"Parents please don't hide those kids. They, too, have equal rights as all of us. Let us work together to build them a bright future."
He also took the opportunity to reject claims that witchcraft was behind the children's disabilities. "We need to work together as a society and destroy those [sentiments] about disabilities. That is nonsense."
The star was elated that all had contributed to making the day such a delight for the kids, and was very happy to be a part of such a worthy cause.
Equal rights
Taking the time to interact with the children, hugging them and signing autographs, Zola 7 called on society to give them equal rights. "They must be provided with equal services. We must all work together to change perceptions and silly minds about these kids."
Motsepe echoed his thoughts. "Yes, they [are] disabled, but they deserve to be loved. It appears that these kids get love from their caregivers, it really goes a long way.
"Let's all refute the negative norms and play a role in caring for these children," the Isidingo star said. "Give them love."
Members of the metro police and emergency management services were on site to monitor the children's safety.
The party was part of City Parks' efforts to ensure disabled children are able to enjoy its parks. The children received early Christmas gifts and merchandise from Cell C and City Parks and fun activities included soccer, hoolahoop, netball, and an exercise workout with Supersport's Lets Play. There were face painters, clowns, and stilt-walkers.
The City's Human Development Strategy [PDF format] recognises that all people are equal, and are its greatest asset; they need to be supported and encouraged to realise their full potential.
International Day of Disabled Persons is marked on 3 December; it is used to raise awareness about people with disabilities and to work towards equal opportunities and integration into society.
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