The North-West University (NWU) is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all, and regularly hosts awareness day campaigns on various topics as a way to inform and educate staff and students.

The NWU’s Disability Rights Unit recently held an awareness campaign on the campus in Potchefstroom to educate staff and students about disability etiquette. It was done to create a more inclusive NWU, celebrating the ethic of care.

According to Penny Motshwene, who heads the Disability Rights Unit, the purpose of the event was to create awareness and provide a platform where students and staff members can learn from each other.

Being differently abled

Mario Chauque, HIV/Aids programme coordinator, shared insight on how people living with disabilities are affected by HIV/ Aids.

In turn, Casil Hendricks from the Oppie Bol Foundation and Thomas Simelane from the South African National Council for the Blind shared their personal experiences on living with a disability.

Casil lost his arm in a car accident almost 20 years ago, and his life has never been the same since.

“Since the day I lost my arm a number of opportunities and doors have been opened for me, and I am proud to be an advocate for people living with disabilities,” he said. He added that a lot of people do not know the societal barriers disabled people are faced with every day.

“Disabled people often have to prove that they are equal to people who do not have disabilities.”

Thomas added that we are all differently abled. “The fact that we are different is our super power. We must all accommodate each other and work together to achieve greater heights.”

The NWU is committed to creating an inclusive learning and working environment for everyone, and will continue to have awareness campaigns to educate all its stakeholders.

 Here is Penny Motshwene, head of the NWU’s Disability Rights Unit with Casil Hendricks from the Oppie Bol Foundation and Thomas Simelane from the South African National Council for the Blind.