Submitted by:  Musa E. Zulu

“When the burning flame of spirit is ignited, it will transform any soul – no matter what the circumstances.”  These are the famous words by the published author, and award-winning entrepreneur, international artist, celebrated motivational speaker and prominent disability activist in South Africa, Musa E. Zulu.

This Durban-born father of three describes how his life took a challenging turn.  He was quickly rising the ladder of his career when the unexpected happened.  “I remember this like it was yesterday,” says Zulu.  In 1995, at just 23 years old, he was involved in a car accident on his way home from an event.

Zulu said he found himself faced with one of the most difficult challenges life can bring – disability.

Paralyzed and wheelchair-bound after the car accident, Zulu said he found himself faced with one of the most difficult challenges life can bring – disability.  Applying his personal philosophy of embracing change, he not only found a way to cope with his new life, but also inspired others with disabilities through his motivational speaking and writing.

Zulu received several awards since 2006, including the NHBRC Iqhawe Mentorship Award in 2019 at the annual Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards, given in recognition of his excellent ability and commitment to guiding and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs.  Additionally, he stages an annual event where he recognizes amazing South African women with disabilities who are doing exceptionally well.  He honours these women with an Excellent Award in the industry.

During the month of November, which is National Disability Rights Awareness Month, Zulu urged South Africans to reflect on how much they have done as individuals, and as a society, to promote and secure life-changing opportunities for the disabled in our communities.

SANTA on Wheels brings cheer to children with disabilities in community centers and hospitals during the festive season. 

He is also planning the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

In 2009 Zulu launched a project called SANTA on Wheels which brings cheer to children with disabilities in community centers and hospitals during the festive season.  “I plan to spoil the kids with gifts and a Gautrain ride from Rosebank to Sandton.  Some of them don’t know that place.”

This is of one of the reasons #ImStaying.