Living with disability is not child’s play, it’s a daily struggle that requires strength in all aspects of life. These are the remarks of Sibongiseni Faku, the co-founder and managing director of Freedom to the Forgotten.

The 41-year-old Khayelitsha resident is fighting for the rights of the disabled people through his organisation.

Disabled people demand inclusion in community development

He says the objective is to ensure that disabled individuals are recognised in society.

Faku was left paralysed after he was attacked and injured by a friend at the age of 15, in 2000.

His entire right side is dysfunctional and has had firsthand experience of the challenges and discrimination faced by disabled people. In 2021, Faku decided to establish the organisation in an effort to fight for and promote the rights of people living with disabilities.

“Most of our members are in the metro, and we intend to grow the organisation and open branches in other provinces. Our main purpose is to ensure that our members are part of community structures. We want to participate in community development,” says Faku.

According to him, in most cases, people living with disabilities are marginalised, and they want to speak for themselves.

He adds that nothing about them should happen without their involvement. “Our organisation is there to educate, empower and motivate people living with disabilities. It is open to everyone. It is a safe space for us to socialise and share our experiences,” he says.

Faku says he knows well how it feels to be disabled and understands challenges facing disabled people.

“I know what it is like to be badly treated by the community, people calling you names. To survive as a disabled person, you need a thick skin, and you need to be mentally strong. That is what we instil in our members during our workshops. We need them to be strong, they must not allow themselves to be bullied. We have been observing for a long time, and we noticed that no one cares about us. We decided to take a stand for ourselves,” he says.

Faku also criticised government for failing to support them, saying there is little being done for people living with disabilities.

According to him, what is promised in policies is not reflected on the ground. He cited a lack of monitoring as a major barrier.

Public transport and education remain major barriers

“Almost all sectors, including education, transport, housing and sport, still marginalise people living with disabilities. These are some of the areas where we want to be recognised. We are demanding back our space,” he says.

Faku mentioned public transport as another barrier, with the education system also not suitable for them.

Lucky Mlotywa, one of the members, said he learnt a lot since joining the organisation three years ago.

He described it as his second home. “We share everything and we support each other. Ever since I joined the group, I have developed high self-esteem. I know my worth. I don’t allow people to talk to me anyhow. I can stand up for myself,” he said, adding that they also value education.

Parents urged to support children with disabilities

He urged parents to stop keeping their children indoors and allow them to play with their peers.
Mlotywa, who is wheelchair-bound, urged other people in similar conditions to join or form groups where they can share their challenges.

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