Ndzhanani celebrate awareness health campaign

Mentally challenged people are human beings too and must be taken good care of, said Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana during a mental health awareness day celebration event. It was recently held at the Dzanani Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Nzhelele.

Mphephu urged the community not to push these people away. “We have this kind of event because we want to show mentally challenged people that we love and accept them in our houses and community. What we can do is to take them to schools, where they can get an education,” says Mphephu

One of the people staying with a mentally challenged person urged parents to stop abusing these people and to stop using them as sources of income. She said the disability grants should be used in the way they were intended.

The event was sponsored by Masana and Skills Development. According to the Masana CEO, Mr Muladi, Masana was there to support the event and give something back to the community. He explained that they have a social responsibility and would like to empower the community with important skills.

According to the portfolio head of corporate and shared services at the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Shonisani Sinyosi, they want to create an awareness about the situation of mentally challenged persons and the people who take care of them. She reminded the community that Pres Jacob Zuma regards job creation as an important priority for the government.

During the event, special awards were given to organisations and individuals working with the disabled. Ms Suzan Musekwa received an award as the the best operational manager, the award for the best clinic went to Straighthardt Clinic and  AP Maanda received the best mental health care award.

Date:05 December 2011

By: Rulani Baloyi

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