×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Disabled sisters flourish

MOVING AND SHAKING: Sisters Maureen left, and Thandi Bvuma did not allow their physical disabilities to stop them from achieving their dreams. 02/12/08. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. © Sowetan.
MOVING AND SHAKING: Sisters Maureen left, and Thandi Bvuma did not allow their physical disabilities to stop them from achieving their dreams. 02/12/08. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. © Sowetan.

Luzuko Pongoma

Luzuko Pongoma

Disabled people can be as talented as anyone else and suppressing them is tantamount to delaying the growth of the country.

This message came from wheelchair-bound businesswomen Thandi Bvuma, 25, and her sister Maureen Bvuma, 23, as the world celebrated International Day for People with Disabilities yesterday.

They are founders of Butterfly Kids, a company that makes children's jewellery with beads.

Thandi, who is the manager, said that disabled people should not regard themselves as lesser human beings.

"They should find what they want to do in life and do it because, like everybody else, they can be whatever they want to be," she said.

Maureen is the assistant manager. She condemned families who keep disabled children away from the public.

"A child is still a child despite what they look like physically. Parents should help them live a healthy and better life," she said.

She said that "normal" people should not feel sorry for people with disabilities.

Thandi studied business management at the University of Johannesburg and Maureen did media studies at the Rosebank College.

The sisters, from Rosebank, northern Johannesburg, opened their business three years ago.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.