As we take stock of the year, it is important to plan for the future, while being grateful for our past
I’m sure everybody has high hopes for 2024. An election year and, hopefully, an administration change. There is no doubt in my mind that the present government has not delivered, and it’s time for change, whether a complete majority or a coalition. Anything is better than what we have.
That is my opinion and I’m sure the opinion of many people with disabilities who feel left in the trenches, not provided for, with broken promises, unemployed and in increased poverty. We fear the state healthcare system. SASSA grants are often paid late.
Learnerships have not converted into mainstream employment. Most public buildings are still not universally accessible. The public transport system and infrastructure is still not accessible for most, especially people with mobility disabilities.
We have to take our say to the polls. Don’t stay at home on election day. Go and have your say. That’s the best you can do. It’s your responsibility. I have high hopes for change.
Then, we have a lot also for which to be grateful. QASA especially can be grateful for some of the strong relationships that have been built over the last 25 years.
SABAT (AutoX) has been providing batteries for power wheelchair users through QASA now for 25 years. What an incredible investment. What foresight they have in understanding our mobility is not only having a wheelchair, but the batteries required to power them. Batteries generally last about 24 months before they need to be replenished.
SABAT has provided for that through QASA. We are grateful for the batteries that power our wheelchairs, but SABAT added a cherry on the top by hosting an annual power wheelchair race to see who is the fastest Quad on the block.
This event is often the highlight of many power wheelchair users’ calendar. It offers an opportunity to express your agility and adrenaline on the racetrack. QASA is very grateful to SABAT. You have touched the lives of quadriplegics using power wheelchairs in a meaningful way.
QASA also has a meaningful relationship with CE Mobility whereby all members get five percent discount on their purchases direct from CE Mobility. A unique partnership was also formed whereby QASA is a seven percent shareholder in the business.
Dividends from this relationship have been instrumental in QASA’s social enterprise strategy. It has been a quarter-of-a-century- long relationship. Thank you, CE Mobility.
Newsclip has gone the distance with QASA following our media presence and keeping us informed of current affairs relating to disability. We have enjoyed a dozen years of clipping service.
Norton Rose Fulbright have provided 20 years of pro bono legal advice for QASA, which is such a valuable resource. We are truly grateful.
Rolling Inspiration and QASA start the year on a note of “make your mark for change”, and “be grateful for long-standing relationships”. We need both to make an impact. All the best for 2024.
