MOTHER’S JOURNEY INSPIRES GREATER INCLUSION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

By Precious Mupenzi.

• ⁠“Parenting is not a one-size-fits-all journey; support, empathy, and understanding are key,” says Upington mother, Mary-Ann Kella.
• ⁠“People still stare, and children sometimes laugh at my daughter. It hurts, but I know it comes from a lack of understanding,” she shared. “That’s why education and awareness are so important.
• Her story reflects the Department of Social Development’s vision of inclusive, resilient families under the White Paper on Families.

Upington, Northern Cape — For Mary-Ann Kella, a devoted mother of four from Upington, attending the three-day Mother/Daughter and Father/Son Programme hosted by the Department of Social Development (DSD) was both an emotional and empowering experience. Joined by her 13-year-old daughter, Kella described the session as “one of the most impactful interventions needed in our communities.”

Reflecting on the dialogue sessions, which concluded today, 10 October 2025, Kella commended the department for creating safe spaces for parents and children to openly discuss challenges, emotions, and aspirations. She said the programme helped her reflect on her parenting journey and the importance of nurturing every child according to their individual needs.
“As a mother raising a child with a disability, I found this platform very informative and inclusive,” Kella said with appreciation. “It reminded me that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and that support, empathy, and understanding are key.”
Kella shared her personal journey of raising her youngest child, an autistic girl. She explained that her daughter experienced complications at birth due to weight issues, resulting in a loss of oxygen to the brain. The diagnosis was devastating at first, and she admitted that balancing her attention among all her children was a challenge.
Her journey has not been easy. Following the passing of her husband, Kella has been raising her children as a single mother, shouldering both the emotional and financial responsibilities of the household. Despite the challenges, she continues to remain strong for her children, drawing strength from her faith, resilience, and community support.
“In the beginning, it was tough,” she recalled. “My older children sometimes felt neglected because most of my energy went to caring for their sister. Over time, I had to learn to create balance and make each of them feel loved and supported.”
Although her child receives a disability grant, Kella said life remains challenging. She currently volunteers at a centre for children with special needs, the same centre her daughter attends and also uses her artistic skills to create craftwork as a source of income.
Beyond her personal story, Kella’s reflections carried a strong message of advocacy. She urged that future sessions of the programme include topics on disability inclusion, noting that stigma remains a painful reality for many families.
“People still stare, and children sometimes laugh at my daughter. It hurts, but I know it comes from a lack of understanding,” she shared. “That’s why education and awareness are so important. Communities need to be exposed to disability so that empathy replaces ignorance.”
Kella further emphasised that families raising children with disabilities need holistic care and emotional support. “We always say it takes a village to raise a child — and that’s even more true when raising a child with special needs. Mothers like us also need support to stay strong for our children,” she said.
Her words capture the very essence of the Department of Social Development’s commitment to family strengthening through the White Paper on Families, which promotes inclusive, nurturing, and resilient family environments. As DSD continues implementing initiatives like the Intergenerational Dialogue Programme, stories like Kella’s remind us that inclusion, empathy, and understanding must remain at the heart of family and community development.