Siyanda Makanya, known to fans as DJ Kabila, is more than a celebrated deejay; he’s a resilient spirit from the vibrant township of Mthatha, now rooted in Durban.
His music is an anthem of perseverance, yet his recent experience at Umthatha Airport strikes a somber chord, shedding light on the challenges faced by people living with disabilities.
Returning home should evoke warmth and familiarity, but for Kabila, the journey has become a battlefield. In a heartfelt reflection, he shared the frustrations of navigating air travel as a wheelchair user. His grievance? Repeated mistreatment and disregard for his basic needs at Umthatha Airport.
“I think I’ve made up my mind,”
he wrote,
“It’s just safer to use East London Airport. I’d rather add two hours each time I come back home.”
Three times, DJ Kabila diligently followed every protocol: sending emails 72 hours in advance to request wheelchair assistance, arriving early, and paying for his flight like every other passenger. Yet, time and again, he faced the same dismissal.
“It’s so easy for them to say, ‘You didn’t book wheelchair assistance, come back tomorrow,’”
he recounted.
“At whose cost? And what does that say about their perception of people like me?”
Kabila’s account is not just about missed flights or disrupted schedules; it’s a story of systemic neglect and a lack of empathy.
“No matter how hard we try to beat this beast called disability, you are met with people who want to press you down, making you feel like you are nothing in this world.”
His decision to abandon Umthatha Airport comes with a heavy heart. On a day meant to celebrate disability awareness and inclusion, Kabila felt defeated by the very system meant to support him.
Yet, his words carry the weight of determination: “Disability is a journey, not an easy road to navigate, but we will keep moving.”
For DJ Kabila, the sour notes of his experience cannot overshadow the beauty of his resilience. While he may no longer fly through Umthatha, his story takes flight, amplifying the need for inclusivity and accountability in spaces meant for all.
The challenges he faces are part of a broader conversation about the treatment of people with disabilities in everyday life. Kabila reminds us that while the journey may sometimes defeat, it also fuels the resolve to push forward, ensuring no one is left behind.
Through music and advocacy, DJ Kabila continues to inspire, proving that no matter how heavy the load, the journey is worth it.
