City of Joburg changes young George’s life

08 December 2017

The City of Joburg changed the lives of its residents living with disabilities when it not only gave new wheelchairs and walking devices but pledged to include them in City’s programmes.

                                                                                                                             

 
But the highlight of the Thursday, 7 December, was when 10-year-old George Baloyi, who has no legs, was fitted with prosthetic legs and was able to kick a soccer ball for the first time.

The City was commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disability under the theme “Leaving No One Behind” by giving back to the community through the donation of devices to persons with disability.

Health and Social Development MMC Mpho Phalatse told the hall full of people with disabilities that the City was clear in its message that all the doors of government should be open to all regardless of who they were. She said that City’s programmes should be inclusive and speak also to the needs of people with disabilities.

“We are clear in our strategy as a City and we want you to be part of everything that we do. We cannot speak on your behalf and decide on your needs. You should join us and let’s own this City and equal partners,” said Phalatse.

According to data from the last census conducted in 2011, the City of Johannesburg was then estimated to have had a total number of 150 553 persons with disabilities. Notable this has changed due to immigration into the city for economic opportunities.

The 20111 Census further estimated that there is 18 percent prevalence of South Africans adult population with disabilities and the majority had mobility challenges (72%) Vision impairment (42%) and hearing impairment (15%)) and one in five persons with disabilities had multiple disabilities.

As he took his first steps young Baloyi could not wait to kick a soccer ball with his friends that had accompanied him. He said he was happy to finally walk for himself without using a wheelchair.

MMC Phalatse said the City has placed seven unemployed persons with disability into various regions of the Social Department to facilitate disability related programmes.

The day ended on a high note when wheels chairs and assistive devices including prosthetics were distributed to beneficiaries.