UKZN Pageant Raises Awareness about Disabilities

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With September being disability awareness month, with the focus on albinism, UKZN’s Differentially Abled Student Association (DASA) hosted Mr and Miss Intercampus on the Howard College campus.

The event was held to inform and educate students and the university community about people living with disabilities. There are currently 501 students registered with the Disability Support Unit at UKZN.

First year Bachelor of Arts student Ms Nokwethemba Nkwanyana, was crowned Miss UKZN and a third year Bachelor of Social Science (Housing) student, Mr Sandile Hlatshwayo, won the Mr UKZN title.

Welcoming everyone, Disability Support Unit Co-ordinator on the Howard College campus, Mr Nevil Balakrishna, spoke about the different disabilities on all five UKZN campuses and highlighted myths and facts on albinism and other disabilities, as well as on HIV and AIDS issues. 

Third year Law student, Mr Luyanda Nsele, said it was the first year DASA had hosted the event which was an important part of raising awareness at UKZN. ‘Creating an inclusive environment where all students are able to integrate academically and socially within the University environment is very important to us,’ said Nsele, who was part of the organising committee.

The contestants performed a contemporary dance piece with placards containing wording such as Disability Is Not Stupidity, Know Me for My Ability, Not My Disability, and Not All Disabilities are Visible.

Nsele acknowledged Student Services, Student Governance; the HIV/AIDS Unit, Corporate Relations and the Disability Unit for their help in making the event a success.

‘DASA is particular grateful for the sponsorship and support from the Lindiwe Khuzwayo Fashion Design Academy, whose management and design students attended the event,’ said Nsele.

Thanking student organisations Usizo Foundation and DASA for helping to host the event, Nsele also paid tribute to the entire organising committee who dedicated their time and effort to make the event a success as well as to the students who attended and supported the occasion.

The Disability Support Unit has offices at Howard College, Edgewood, Westville and Pietermaritzburg. 

 Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer