{"id":25907,"date":"2026-03-16T09:28:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T07:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/?p=25907"},"modified":"2026-03-18T10:01:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:01:52","slug":"beyond-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/archives\/25907","title":{"rendered":"Beyond mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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International Wheelchair Day on 1 March celebrates the freedom and independence wheelchairs bring to millions globally, but it\u2019s not without challenges. We chatted to colleague and wheelchair user Xolani Sello to gain insight into his life. <\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role in the organisation? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> I am from Rockville, Soweto. I was born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape and moved to Johannesburg in 2008. I studied in a special school called Adelaide Tambo. I joined AfroCentric Group in 2013 and now work for Corporate Schemes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: How has using a wheelchair shaped your daily experiences, both at work and outside of work? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> Living with a disability is challenging, from waking up in your bed, getting ready to start your day, and getting a wheelchair into the car \u2013 I need someone to assist me. Getting to work is another challenge as the public transport system doesn\u2019t accommodate wheelchair bound people, which forced me to get a licence so I could use my own car. I used to use the Rea Vaya bus, which was frustrating because sometimes the equipment that lifts the wheelchair into the bus didn\u2019t work, forcing me to wait for a bus that had a working system. To go through these challenges and then get through the work day is another challenge.<\/p>

Physically,\u00a0<\/span>I<\/span>\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0had to undergo many operations to help me function\u00a0<\/span>on a\u00a0<\/span>day<\/span>–<\/span>to<\/span>–<\/span>day<\/span>\u00a0basis,\u00a0<\/span>and at times I wake\u00a0<\/span>up<\/span>\u00a0and my body is in\u00a0<\/span>pain<\/span>\u00a0but\u00a0<\/span>I still\u00a0<\/span>have to<\/span>\u00a0work. Winter is especially<\/span>\u00a0challenging and affect<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the time\u00a0<\/span>I\u2019m<\/span>\u00a0able to get to work.\u00a0<\/span>I am happy to be part of an organisation like\u00a0<\/span>AfroCentric<\/span>, where differently abled colleagues\u2019 needs are met. For example, my\u00a0<\/span>working hours have been adjusted to accommodate delays<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0so I start at 08:30<\/span>am<\/span>. The nature of my job requires\u00a0<\/span>me to spend most of my time at my\u00a0<\/span>work station<\/span>\u00a0but\u00a0<\/span>I\u00a0<\/span>encounter<\/span>\u00a0delays\u00a0<\/span>when<\/span>\u00a0going for a body break, which means I\u00a0<\/span>have to<\/span>\u00a0rely on\u00a0<\/span>my\u00a0<\/span>colleagues to\u00a0<\/span>assist<\/span>, for instance in warming my lunch<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0I would like to acknowledge my team leader, Valencia<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0for accommodating me and for being\u00a0<\/span>very supportive<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: What are some misconceptions people have about wheelchair users that you wish more people understood? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> Many people still require a lot of education to understand people living with disabilities.\u202fWe might be limited with some things, but we are more than capable of doing other things. Some people think when they see you in a wheelchair you are mentally disturbed. Some have partners who need to be mentally strong as they too can be questioned. Some don\u2019t even believe you would be capable of making children etc. A lot of awareness education needs to be done. I am open and speak out about my condition and tackle difficult topics.<\/p>

I think people need to understand that those living with a disability did not choose this.\u202fOur society as a whole is not compassionate and treats us differently. We always have to prove ourselves. For instance, learning to drive was one of those times where I had to show people that I am as capable to drive as an able-bodied person.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: Can you share a moment when you felt particularly supported or included in the workplace? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> Receiving recognition for going the extra mile shows you are not being treated differently.\u202fThere is also one time I remember where I got to the office and my clothes were wet, and a colleague helped me to dry them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: What are some of the challenges you face at work that others might not be aware of? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> Having to\u00a0<\/span>propel<\/span>\u00a0the wheelchair is a challenge<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 you always hope t<\/span>he surface\u00a0<\/span>on<\/span>\u00a0which you\u00a0<\/span>are\u00a0<\/span>travel<\/span>ling is<\/span>\u00a0smooth<\/span>\u00a0because\u00a0<\/span>rocky surfaces are difficult to navigate.\u00a0<\/span>And i<\/span>t takes longer to get some things done\u00a0<\/span>compared to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>an\u00a0<\/span>able<\/span>–<\/span>bodied people<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0e.g.\u00a0<\/span>w<\/span>arming up your lunch, bathroom breaks etc.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: Are there any changes, big or small, that you believe could make workplaces more accessible and inclusive? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> Yes, one would be to ask for support in getting an electric wheelchair to use around the office for mobility. Am very happy with the facilities as they are inclusive. Working from home some days could also help, especially when I am working only on email.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: What message would you like to share with colleagues as we recognise International Wheelchair Day? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> I would like my fellow colleagues to know that we are also human, we have a lot to offer beyond our disabilities. We are just the same and capable \u2013 the only difference is\u202fmobility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: On a lighter note, what motivates or inspires you in your day-to-day life? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> My son. Since he came into my life, he inspires me to keep working harder. I want to provide for him and offer him a good life. Reflecting on my background and where I come from motivates me to work harder. I am a breadwinner and I\u2019m motivated to provide for my family. I have a positive mindset. \u202f<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: What\u2019s on your playlist, or maybe your favourite TV series that you\u2019re bingeing? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> I love gospel and house music.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Q: And your favourite thing to do? <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A:<\/strong><\/span> I love spending time with my son and my family.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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International Wheelchair Day on 1 March celebrates the freedom and independence wheelchairs bring to millions globally, but it\u2019s not without challenges. We chatted to colleague and wheelchair user Xolani Sello to gain insight into his life. Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role in the organisation? A: I am from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":26394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[378],"tags":[373],"class_list":["post-25907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-dei-afrocentric17","tag-afrocentric17"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25907"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26404,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25907\/revisions\/26404"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}