By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Dikeledi Khiba of Mandela Park encourages other mothers who have children with disabilities to participate in activities and events that aim to motivate and support them as parents because they all need moral support.
Khiba has a six-year old daughter who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in 2019 and has been wheelchair bound ever since.
‘Still I Rise’ foundation hosted a fun walk for parents to bring their children living with disabilities on May 31 to enable parents to have an interactive and fun day outdoors with their children.
“My daughter was diagnosed with CP in 2019, she cannot talk, she cannot use any of her muscles, and she has to use a wheelchair. Today was fun and I encourage other mothers to come to events such as these because, as a parent, when you stay cooped up indoors and don’t go outside with your kid then you will become depressed and feel sorry for yourself wondering why God gave you a child with a disability.
“Being here today has been wonderful for our kids because they can interact with other kids and as parents, we can support each other,” Khiba said in an interview with The Guard.
The provincial chairperson of South African disabled youth in the Free State Mohau Nhlapo said: “I am here to give support to this organisation because some young people who live with disabilities don’t know their rights. It is our responsibility to educate and support them and their parents.
In front wearing blue bucket hat, Dikeledi Khiba with daughter Angel Khiba on a wheelchair at Freedom Square in Phuthaditjaba.
“We came out in our numbers to educate and advocate for parents raising children with disabilities because it is difficult for them. We need to show them that their kids can interact with others and can be part of society, thereby making something of their lives when they grow up.”
The day began with a fun walk and ended with an interactive play day at the Freedom Square in Phuthaditjaba. Many parents and children came out in their numbers to support this initiative that hoped to see more members of the community participating in such events, and the larger society supporting parents who are raising children with disabilities.
