A group of people gathered at Nyanga Library in Nyanga during the launch of the Sello Mangwana Book Club for Disability on Friday 6 March.
The club mainly focuses on people living with disabilities. The event was organised by Nyanga activist Sello Mangwana in partnership with Nyanga Library.
Mangwana described the initiative as the first of its kind in Nyanga and said the club is open to everyone.
Book club aims to promote reading and storytelling
“I want to create a safe space for people living with disabilities where they can share their experiences. The main aim is to promote reading and give them an opportunity to tell their stories,” said Mangwana.
Members plan to publish a book of short stories
He added that within six months the club hopes to publish a book featuring short stories written by members.
“Each person will write his or her story which will be published in a book,” he said.
He said the club will officially start meeting on Tuesday 10 March.
“We will meet twice a month, during the second and fourth weeks of the month, from 10:00 to 11:30 and it is free of charge,” explained Mangwana.
Disability activist encourages people to stand up for their rights
Former Ward 38 councillor and founder of Disability Rights Matter, Luvuyo Zondani, who is also living with a disability, told the gathering that being disabled is not a curse. He urged people living with disabilities to be strong and stand up for their rights.
“You must not be ashamed of yourselves. You must fight for your rights. Make sure that local councillors serve the needs of disabled people. Let’s be visible and vocal. We don’t need people to speak for us. We need to tell our own stories,” said Zondani.
Transport challenges remain for people with disabilities
One of the members of the club, Michael Mtandana, said transport remains one of the biggest challenges for people living with disabilities.
He said public transport is not suitable for them and added that they want to be recognised and supported by the community.
