All candidates participating in the Eastern Cape Engen and Disability Economic Empowerment Trust (DEET) driver training program received their learner’s licenses, and 20 of them passed their driver’s license test.
The initiative, which began in the Eastern Cape in October 2021, teaches disabled drivers the skills they need to pass their learner’s and driver’s licenses and improve their job chances.
Zininzi Mpurwana, who became paralyzed at the age of ten after acquiring Tuberculous Meningitis, celebrated Valentine’s Day this year by passing her driver’s license with flying colors on February 14th.
“I’m totally over the moon,” comments a thrilled Zininzi, “and I must admit it still feels like a dream but I’m proud of myself and I am really enjoying the independence that driving a car affords me.”
The go-getter from East London refuses to allow her disability define her, instead opting to use it to be more creative and content in her everyday life.
“On the day I passed my drivers’ licence test, I got home and confidently updated my CV and added a new section that clearly states that I have a drivers’ licence.”
Zininzi believes she will take advantage of any opportunity available to realize her dreams. She lives by the uplifting concept that “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…about it’s learning to dance in the rain.”
Zininzi, who works as a supervisor for DEET, believes the world is now her oyster.
“I am confident that I possess all of the skills necessary to compete in the open labor market, and my prospects appear to be promising.”
Khalid Latiff, Engen’s General Manager for Corporate Strategy and Communications, congratulated Zininzi and all other Eastern Cape drivers who completed their various driving license tests.