08 Aug 2018

Living with disability is not a sickness or a predicament to success, Member of Parliament for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang, Dr Alfred Madigele has said.

Speaking during the official opening of Just Prince Enterprises general dealer, owned by Mr Justice Mokgele who is living with a vision disability, Dr Madigele said it was imperative to consider People Living With Disabilities (PWDAs) as normal beings who have dreams to achieve.

He said although government was doing all it could to assist with special programmes and initiatives, they should not encourage overdependence on government.

“Mr Mokgele, you have indeed turned yourself into a hero and the light to others by setting a good example by enduring in this important journey,” he said.

Dr Madigele noted that organisations such as the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), which assisted Mr Mokgele, should be utilised by every Motswana to promote entrepreneurship and reduce dependence on government handouts.

The minister also donated 75 blankets to people with disabilities as well as village elders during the launch. For his part, CEDA representative, Mr Kitso Ramahobo said CEDA did not have a special dispensation for people living with disabilities, and noted that Mr Mokgele’s application went through the normal assessment procedures.

He said from the onset, Mr Mokgele was determined and showing potential to join the business world.

Mr Ramahobo advised the beneficiary to commit to the business, to keep proper business records and also noted that most businesses failed because owners lacked commitment.

Narrating his story, Mr Mokgele said he developed passion in business a long time ago and was initially assisted with a small tuck shop through poverty eradication in 2012. He said it did well and was able to provide for his family.

He also said the tuck shop grew into a small general dealer in Digawana although the business was not good as before, but that it did not dampen his dream to succeed. “I never stopped dreaming as later with the help of Social and Community Development I approached CEDA for assistance,” he said.

He noted that LEA also assisted in his business plan, and was now ready to reciprocate and assist others living with disabilities to reach their potential to start businesses. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the social welfare office for giving unconditional support until I was funded,” said Mr Mokgele.

For her part, Good Hope Sub-district council chairperson, Cllr Mmaobene Molefe said it was a  milestone worth celebrating for someone with disability. “He is a living example that with passion and determination anything is possible.

“You are indeed a true reflection of determination and commitment for people living with disabilities in Good Hope Sub-district and we are proud of you,” said Cllr Molefe. ENDS