On the 23 July 2019, at Victor Dlazulwane community hall in Daveyton Mall,People living with disability gathered to raise awareness about the challenges they are facing.
The issue of prejudice against those living with disability within their communities has led a young man, Bongane Mlambo to take a stand and say No to those threatening physically challenged society. He decided to take the initiative and challenge humanity to those considering them as superior, after seeing how his community rejected people living with disability. However, the unacceptance of those living with disability by those those known to be normal seems to be not only an issue to Bongane's community, but to other communities as well. A mother living with disability in Wattville said, "The issue of disability must be considered in greatest depth, because the unacceptance of people living with disability in our communities increases in great numbers. Some parents even lock their children in their homes, because they are afraid of what others will say when they look at them". This was a touching story to many people.
Bongane is a founder of *Ungasithatheli phantsi* organization, It's main objective, is to raise awareness, and people living with disability should be considered as equal with others because we are God’s creation. He said, "I have a believe that God created us in our own unique ways, regardless of our differences."
The event was a success, people came out in numbers to witness as Bongane inspires others. Although this young man is regarded to be living with disability, he also outdone himself by sharing his initiative skills, intelligence and kindness as he went out looking for a support from Ekurhuleni municipality, Pick n Pay, African bank and Daveyton mall to ensure that event becomes a success. He want their voices as people living with disabilities to be heard. The event was also hosted in extension of Tata Mandela's birthday. The sponsors admired Bongane's efforts, they were deeply touched by his plan and they said, whenever he needs an extra hand their doors are open to help.
Not only the community members and sponsors managed to make the event of _Ungasithatheli phantsi_ a successful outcome, guest from Sizolwethu School , Phumello Nkosi, a young face in the acting industry and also Gift wakwa-Bhebhe, a DJ on Metro Fm attended the event. One of the community members, mama Hleziphi said. "I am grateful to be part of this event, i live with a disability child and really proud to see young people taking the initiative to educate other about those living with disability, they are not a burden, they are able. I am truly grateful for Bongane to have a courage of start this initiative."
The event also included competition in which prices were also won. Competitors were given certificates as their winning prices. The third price was won by Poetry ‘DAPD’ , the second went to ‘Shayi-shayi’ a dancing group and the first price went to Sizolwethu school a singing group.
Bongane said, "This event won't just end here, it’s something that will keep happening as a constant reminder to others, disability is just an extension of what is also called physically challenged."
