The Artscape’s Chief Executive, Marlene le Roux, has received a prestigious award on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. She was awarded at the British Council in Cape Town for her dedicated work in the Disability Sector of South Africa.
Marlene le Roux has dedicated her life to empowering people with various disabilities in South Africa. The British Council in Cape Town honoured her with the Commonwealth Point of Light award.
Marlene has been a dedicated voice for people with various disabilities in South Africa. Her son had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and sadly passed away a few months ago. This coupled with her own struggles, she had contracted Polio as a child, led her to become a powerful advocate for the cause in South Africa.
“I am a proud black woman with a disability and accepting this award is not just about me, it is recognition for all people with disabilities struggling against all odds daily.”
She has worked closely with Archbishop Desmond Tutu to develop the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. And strongly believes there is still change and transformation required for South Africans with disabilities.
“Transformation in disability has not yet started, if you look at the functionalities of NGOs there are hardly NGOs that are headed by people with disabilities. There’s nothing wrong with people’s brains, it’s about being given the opportunity to prove yourself,”
Marlene has been very outspoken about the constraints that poor families must deal with when caring for a family member that is differently-abled. She believes that money is key to mobility and this isn’t an option for some parents.
“These children need 24-hour care. If you are poor, it is a struggle every single day.”
“If you are poor and you struggle so much, there is no energy to look after yourself. We also need understanding in communities that mothers also need support,”
She dedicated her award to her late son and vows to continue her work to advocate for people with disabilities.
“I would like to congratulate Marlene on receiving this recognition for the wonderful work that she does.
“Not only is she an inspiration to people with disabilities, but she is hugely respected as chief executive officer of the Artscape Theatre Centre.
“Marlene is hugely respected across the spectrum of South African society and is well known internationally. Well done Marlene on being South Africa’s Point of Light.” – Nigel Casey, UK high commissioner in South Africa
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