Differently abled & advocating, Kayla & MaDlamini on #Parenting

A viral video by Lethukuthula Kayla Thabethe recently sparked an important conversation after she shared her disappointment at allegedly being denied transport at a local taxi rank in Nelspruit while travelling back to school in Pretoria. Having independently used public transport for the past five years, Kayla says she was refused transport after a driver expressed discomfort with travelling with someone living with a disability — despite her mother, MaDlamini, explaining that Kayla is fully independent and only needed assistance being dropped off at a specific stop.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Tlotlang spoke with Kayla and her mother to unpack what truly transpired that day, the emotional impact it had, and the bigger issue surrounding accessibility, inclusivity, and dignity for people living with disabilities. Beyond the incident itself, the discussion challenges us to reflect on whether our communities, transport systems, and everyday spaces are genuinely welcoming and accommodating to everyone equally.

Because inclusion is not charity — it is humanity, respect, and a basic right.