Call for more partnerships to equalise opportunities for People with Disabilities
The remarkable success of South Africa’s world number two quad wheelchair tennis star Lucas Sithole is an example of what is possible when opportunities for women, children and people with disabilities are equalised.
Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, told the audience at a hero’s welcome media briefing which she addressed together with Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula in honour of Sithole who returned this morning from competing in the Australia Open in Melbourne, Australia.
Sithole reached the finals of the Australian Open in the quads doubles and in the quads singles consecutively to cement his place as not just South Africa’s number one ranked player in the quad division but also number two on the world rankings.
“Lucas’ sporting success clearly demonstrates to us that if we equalise opportunities for women, children, and people with disabilities, they would be able to realise their dreams and even go on to make the whole country proud.
“As government we have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which according to Article 30 obligates States Parties to take appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in recreational, leisure and sporting activities,” pointed Xingwana.
Minister Xingwana applauded Wheelchair Tennis South Africa, Airports Company South Africa, the Ministry of Sport and Recreation together with everyone who has collaborated to ensure that Sithole realises his dreams. She called for more collaborative efforts like this one so that “we can produce more Lucas Sitholes in other sporting codes as well”.
Through his heroic struggle inside and outside the tennis court, Sithole not only put South Africa on the map but he has given people from all walks of life, especially those with disabilities, hope that anything is possible if one is determined to succeed.
For more information:
Motalatale Modiba, Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 072 515 3022
Tel: 012 359 0023
E-mail: motalatale.modiba@dwcpd.gov.za
