Bloemfontein - People living with disabilities say they would much rather be employed and earn money instead of living off hand-outs and government's disability grant.
One such person is Sekgalo Lethloo, a 38-year-old father of two young boys from Masilo near Welkom in the Free State.
Lethloo, who attended the International Day of People with Disabilities event in Bloemfontein, told BuaNews he wanted nothing more than a job.
He uses a wheelchair to get around but said given a chance, he can do anything with his hands.
Lethloo is also the chairperson of the Disabled People of South Africa (DPSA) in Masilo. He said his in organisation, they encouraged one another to do things for themselves, including starting their own businesses.
"I do not like it when people feel pity for me, giving me hand-outs as if I cannot work. Being disabled does not mean that one cannot work or do things for himself. We want to be recognised and be offered jobs -- that's what we want," he said spiritedly.
Asked what he would like to see government doing for people with disabilities, he said funds must be set aside for job creation for people with disabilities.
"We want jobs, we want to earn our money."
Chairperson of the South African Disability Alliance, Muzi Nkosi, said most people with disabilities were poor because they were unemployed.
He called on government and the private sector to employ people with disabilities so they could lead a normal life without burdening other people.
Echoing Nkosi's sentiments was Dikeledi Shupinyaneng from Thaba Nchu, a member of the Association of People with Disability (APD). She emphasised that government and the private sector should provide jobs for people with disabilities.
Shupinyaneng also expressed concern about being unable to access some government and municipal buildings, saying this made them feel they were outcasts.
"We just want government to recognise and listen to us. This will make us feel we are part of society."
In her address at the official celebration event, Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana called on all government departments to employ people with disabilities.
People came in large numbers to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities on Saturday. To many, this was a sign that government was beginning to recognise their rights and existence.
