THEMBISILE HANI — Residents, parents and community stakeholders gathered at Sun City AA in KwaMhlanga on Friday, 29 May 2026 for a Child Protection Fun Run Awareness event aimed at promoting disability inclusion and protecting the rights of children living with disabilities.
Hosted by KwaThando Care Centre, the event sought to educate communities about disability inclusion, child protection and the support services available to families caring for children with disabilities.
The awareness campaign was supported by various stakeholders, including the Department of Social Development (DSD), Department of Health, Mpumalanga Mental Health Society, South African Police Service (SAPS), Clicks and the Community Policing Forum.
Organisers said the event was intended to encourage communities to treat people living with disabilities with dignity, love and respect.
Department of Social Development representative Selina Bhanda urged communities to support families living with disabilities and participate in awareness programmes.
“Many families struggle in silence because they lack information. We encourage people to attend these events because they help educate communities on how to live and interact with people living with disabilities,” said Bhanda.
She said the department provides counselling, grants and referrals to therapy services for qualifying families.
Mpumalanga Mental Health Society social worker Thubelihle Nkosi said acceptance remains one of the biggest challenges faced by people living with disabilities.
“A lot of people still do not understand disability and there is still stigma in communities. Our duty is to educate communities and promote acceptance,” said Nkosi.
Nkosi also raised concerns about the shortage of centres catering for people living with disabilities.
Parents attending the event expressed gratitude for the support provided by KwaThando Care Centre.
Jimmy Mahlangu from Kwaggafontein A said the centre had positively changed his daughter's life.
“Since she started at this centre, I have seen confidence and independence in her. The staff helped her with therapy and taught her skills I never thought she would learn,” said Mahlangu.
Organisers said awareness initiatives such as the fun run play an important role in challenging stigma, promoting inclusion and ensuring that children living with disabilities receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
The Department of Social Development also encouraged families to register children living with disabilities for grants and support programmes.
