The evening began with a welcome from host Dr Bruce May who represents staff with disabilities on the University’s Employment Equity Forum. This was followed by an inspiring speech from Mr Meko Magida, the University’s Executive Director for Human Resources, highlighting the importance of understanding diversity and supporting colleagues with disabilities.
Dr Bruce May and Basheer ClaasenBasheer Claassen and Bonita Blankenberg—both blind—facilitated the event. They also brought with them waitrons who were blind to serve the meals in the dark. A reflective discussion after the dinner deepened attendees' appreciation for the resilience of individuals with disabilities. The HR Department’s commitment to inclusion was widely praised, with many participants describing the event as “life-changing” and “eye-opening.”
One staff member, Shanon Copperfield, described the evening as a beautiful experience: “I don’t think anyone left there unchanged. I cannot stop talking about it.”
Another staff member, Anslin Gysman, took to social media to express his thoughts:
@anslin_g Disability is not an Inability ♥????? #anslingysman #disabilityawareness #uwc
? There Is a Place - Deeper Soaking Worship
Bonita Blankenberg
Bonita Blankenberg began her radio career at Cape Talk, completing her in-service training before moving on to KFM, Bush Radio, and Johannesburg's Radio Today, where she hosted various programmes. Currently, she is a weekend midday presenter on Bok Radio 98.9 FM. Alongside her broadcasting career, Bonita teaches in the Intermediate Phase at the Athlone School for the Blind. Basheer Claasen’s collaboration with the Cape Town Society for the Blind led to his partnership with motivational speaker Hein Wagner. Together, they launched “Dinners with a Difference,” raising awareness locally and internationally about the experiences of blind individuals. These events promote positive dialogue, portraying disability as a way of life, not an affliction
