By Lungani Zungu
People living with different forms of disability have formed an inspiring collective: creating and selling beautiful things made of cane.
The group — housed at the Nduduzweni Centre for Disabled People in Umlazi, south of Durban — make eye-catching products using cane. Their goods include baskets, chairs, tables and bags.
Some of them are visually impaired and others have mobility challenges but this has not stopped them from pursuing their dreams.
Sithembiso Ngema — who is partially blind — told Scrolla.Africa he decided to team up with like-minded people and make the cane products to earn a living.
“We don’t want to be a burden to anyone, which led us to start using our hands and brains instead of relying on the government’s disability grant,” he said.
Ngema, 44, pleaded with people to buy their products at the Nduduzweni Centre for Disabled in Umlazi V section, near Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Growing up, Ngema did not have eye problems. However, when he turned 21, he started having difficulty seeing out of his left eye, which got worse when he was in his 30s, until he became partially blind.
“I did not allow this to define the person I am. Yes, it was difficult for me to get a job but I fought and now I hope our story will inspire others,” he said.
Nomthandazo Mshengu, 44, who became disabled when she suffered a major stroke in 2009, said the group has been a blessing for her.
At first, she felt sorry for herself but she felt rejuvenated when she joined the group after being admitted to the centre. She is a happy soul now.
“I have never been this happy. I never thought I could do something with my hands that would make me feel fulfilled, such as creating the products we make here. When I suffered the stroke, I thought it was the end of me, but when I look back it was just the beginning,” she said.
She urged other people who are living with disabilities not to give up on life. “Our disabilities don’t define us. We are human beings like every other person.”
Pictured above: People living with disabilities show off their crafts
Picture source: Lungani Zungu
