People with disabilities now have more hope in the local municipalities of uMshwathi and uMsunduzi, which are part of the uMgungundlovu District.

People with disabilities now have more hope in the local municipalities of uMshwathi and uMsunduzi, which are part of the uMgungundlovu District.

Through the Sukumani Disabled Organization in Mshwathi and Sizameleni in Msunduzi, the DSD Department has arranged for individuals with disabilities to visit Newcastle’s Osizweni Handycraft Center to observe the good work, skills and abilities of individuals with disabilities.

Following former KwaZulu-Natal Premier uMama Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s visit to the Disability Skills Centre in Mshwathi in Swayimane, ward 11, she suggested that they visit the Osizweni Handycraft Centre to learn more skills that will help them maintain their way of life.

When they saw disabled individuals employing woodworking to create furniture like tables, chairs, ironing boards, etc., they were in awe. In addition, they perform metalwork to create steel tables, braai stands, and other welding jobs. Additionally, there are fabric manufacturers that produce pillows, sleeping sheets, ironing board covers, sofa covers, and other items.

Leather goods are not excluded; they produce amabheshu. customary seat coverings, shoes, crowns, and so forth. They also construct baskets and other items out of grass.

These disabled persons in Mshwathi and Msunduzi were encouraged by Ms. Ntokozo Nala of DSD in Mgungundlovu to consider what they might do to seek support from her Department in collaboration with the Municipality.

Sibusiso Mkhithi who spoke on behalf of uMshwathi Municipality thanked all stakeholders such Manager DSD office in New Hanover , Ms Xoli Shange, Program Manager ,Mrs Lungi Hadebe and MS Ntokozo Nala who is a District Director by coordinating this program to ensure it success . He further thanked Osizweni Handycraft Centre manager Ms NN Makhubu by providing a detailed presentation on how this program was initiated to support people with disabilities. Last he thanked both uMshwathi and uMsunduzi municipalites by ensuring that people with disabilities are well handled with care and no discrimination against them.