Mojabeng Ophelia Pinkoane: A Champion for Disability Rights in the Free State

By Tshepo Ramoeletsi

• Mojabeng Ophelia Pinkoane is a resilient advocate for people with disabilities in the Free State, leveraging her personal experiences and leadership role in the Free State Disabled People South Africa (FS DPSA) to champion inclusivity and equal opportunities.
• From addressing the lack of resources and political will to combating societal misconceptions, Mojabeng works tirelessly to break down barriers that hinder disabled individuals’ access to education, employment, and public spaces, while also highlighting the intersection of disability and poverty.
• With a focus on empowering disabled women and raising awareness of their vulnerability to gender-based violence, Mojabeng promotes practical solutions such as self-defence training and rights education to foster independence and resilience within this marginalised group.

Mojabeng Ophelia Pinkoane, a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, has dedicated her life to empowering individuals and driving meaningful change in the Free State. As a single mother to a 20-year-old daughter, the youngest of four siblings, and a woman who has faced significant personal and professional challenges, Mojabeng’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering advocacy.

Born and raised in Kroonstad, Free State, Mojabeng attended St Dominic’s College in Welkom for her high school education before pursuing a degree in Communication Science through UNISA while working at De Beers Voorspoed Mine. Her life took a dramatic turn in 2006 when she was diagnosed with meningitis, leading to partial blindness. Despite the adversity, Mojabeng embraced rehabilitation, learning new ways to navigate her life, including attending Rivoni School for the Blind in Limpopo. This experience revealed a critical gap in disability rehabilitation services for adults, which she has since committed to addressing.

Mojabeng’s involvement with the Free State Disabled People South Africa (FS DPSA) stems from her desire to transform societal perceptions and interactions with disabled individuals. In December 2023, she was elected deputy chairperson during the organisation’s 9th Provincial General Assembly. In this unpaid yet crucial role, Mojabeng advocates for the rights of disabled people, lobbies government bodies, and ensures the concerns of disabled individuals are heard.

Overcoming Challenges in Advocacy

One of the biggest hurdles Mojabeng faces is the lack of resources for FS DPSA. Limited funding hampers the organisation’s ability to travel, engage with government officials, and support members in rural areas. Additionally, she highlights the persistent lack of political will among some government officials to address the issues disabled people face, including inaccessible public spaces and insufficient employment opportunities.

Despite these obstacles, Mojabeng remains steadfast in her mission. Her advocacy is driven by a belief in the inherent rights and dignity of people with disabilities, a group often marginalised and misunderstood. She underscores that disabled individuals are equally capable of contributing to society in employment, education, and social activities, but societal misconceptions continue to hinder their participation.

The Intersection of Disability and Poverty

Mojabeng is deeply aware of the connection between disability and poverty. In the Free State, where physical disabilities such as quadriplegia and hemiplegia are prevalent, disabled individuals often face compounded challenges due to a lack of accessible education, employment, and healthcare. Poverty can also lead to further disability, particularly in rural areas with limited resources. She advocates for policy changes and a shift in societal mindset to ensure disabled individuals are seen as equal members of society with the right to live independently and participate fully.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Empowering Women

Mojabeng is particularly passionate about addressing the vulnerability of disabled women to gender-based violence (GBV). Often seen as powerless, disabled women are at higher risk of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Mojabeng calls for greater awareness and practical solutions, including self-defence classes and training to help women recognise and report abuse. She stresses the importance of empowering disabled women by providing them with knowledge about their rights and access to support services.

Advocating for Change

Through her work with FS DPSA, Mojabeng collaborates with the Office on the Status of Disabled People and other organisations to represent and uphold the rights of disabled individuals. She advocates for increased political will, better enforcement of policies such as employment equity, and preferential procurement to include disabled individuals in the workforce.

Her advice to aspiring advocates is clear: empathy and passion are essential. Understanding the unique challenges of disabled individuals, listening to their needs, and committing to making a difference are key to effective advocacy.

Looking to the future, Mojabeng envisions a society where inclusivity and representation for disabled people are the norm. She calls for year-round disability rights awareness, recruitment of disabled individuals in various fields, and the removal of systemic barriers that hinder their progress.

Ultimately, Mojabeng Ophelia Pinkoane’s journey transcends personal triumph. It is a testament to the power of advocacy in creating a society that recognises and values the potential of people with disabilities. Through her work, she is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.