Three inspiring individuals with different disabilities, Joseph Matheatau, Jabaar Mohamed, and Anda Mthulu, recently embarked on an exhilarating zipline adventure. Despite their unique challenges, they embraced the thrill of the experience, showcasing the power of resilience and determination.
Caledon, South Africa (22 November 2024) – Joseph Matheatau, Jabaar Cassiem Mohamed and Anda Mthulu are three disability ambassadors whose resilience and ability to defy physically limiting challenges are truly inspiring.
Together with the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, they got to explore their adventurous sides at the home of the world’s longest zipline during Disability Rights Awareness Month.
The adventurers reached speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, zipping down the mountainside, each experiencing the “ride” in a different way catering to their unique abilities.
Professional wheelchair athlete and entrepreneur, Anda Mthulu, whose left leg was amputated after a shooting incident in 2011, usually uses a wheelchair. For this adventure, he used his crutches to walk alongside Minister Londt up the short but steep stretch to the departure platform.
Reflecting on the thrilling experience, Mthulu said:
“I’ve always said there’s life after disability. This shows that you can do as much as you can, with assistive devices that can help you to achieve your goals. We need to come out as people with disabilities and experience wonderful moments. I also urge public places to make it a bit more accessible so everyone can be accommodated.”
On the hour-long tractor ride up the mountain to the departure platform, Provincial Director of DeafSA Western Cape, Jabaar Cassiem Mohamed was able to read the lips of staff as they explained safety instructions and described the unique landscape and animals along the trail.
“Before I came here today, I was so excited. When I got to the top of the mountain, I felt I was ready. Once I went down, it was beautiful, I wished I could’ve gone all the way to Cape Town!”
Barista trainer at Innovation for the Blind, Joseph Matheatau – who lost his sight due to glaucoma – went down the mountain in tandem with his friend, Stephné Botha, CEO of Innovation for the Blind.
On the journey up the mountain, K3 staff gave Matheatau the different plants they were describing, so he could feel what everyone else was seeing.
Overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity, Matheatau said the day was nothing short of amazing.
“I like adventures, so I was looking forward to this. With Stephné on my side explaining everything while we went down until it went quiet and we reached the last stage, it was really amazing,” said Matheatau.
Londt touched on how such experiences promote inclusive spaces for persons with disabilities and how a little bit of effort can make a world of difference in promoting diversity and accessibility.
“The adventure is a symbol of what can be achieved when we break down barriers – whether physical or mental – and are deliberate in creating inclusive spaces for all,” he added.
Sources: Western Cape Government
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