DALIWONGA Mzamane said he doesn’t want to be defined by his disability.
He gets up every morning, gets dressed in his best clothes with a tie and sunglasses, and goes to sell sweets and snacks at the taxi rank.
Popularly known as Mr D, the 57-year-old has earned the respect of passengers and customers who support his snacks business. Daliwonga from Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, was born with polio, affecting his mobility.
He said he has accepted that he’s living with a disability.
“I don’t want to sit at home curled up in sorrow just because I’m not like other people. This business keeps me busy and I’m able to socialise with people. I have a motorised wheelchair, enabling me to move with ease.”
Daliwonga said he appreciated having the wheelchair.
“It keeps me in the company of people, so I don’t get bored. If you are disabled and don’t mingle with people, you get stressed even more,” he said.
Daliwonga lives with his daughter (28), who helps him prepare in the morning before going to work.
Residents said they loved him because he’s always clean and hasn’t given up on himself.
“He’s a role model to many people, whether disabled or not,” said Anna Dlamini.
Taxi driver Patrick Jonga said he had known him for a long time. “We admire him for his positive outlook on life.”
