Trust Khosa
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Visually-impaired broadcaster, disability rights activist and talent scout Liberty Luphahla believes genuine influencers and community leaders should lead by example by using their influence and resources to uplift underprivileged members of society.
A familiar face in the disability community, Luphahla has vowed to use his public profile to encourage influential personalities and businesspeople to support the less privileged, particularly people living with disabilities.
With a particular interest in artistic talent scouting and empowerment, Luphahla also believes that the disability community is an untapped reservoir of creative talent that deserves recognition, exposure and investment.
He made these remarks during an annual celebration of talent, life and the continuation of charitable work at Jairos Jiri Kadoma Association, an event sponsored by local businessman and philanthropist Kosmos Daka, popularly known as Cossy Rules, who has strong ties to the town.
“I support our President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s, mantra that good leaders and influencers should lead by example and transform our communities,” said Luphahla on the sidelines of the Jairos Jiri Association’s annual get-together held every November.
“I am humbled to be part of this auspicious occasion, sponsored by Cossy Rules, who has made it a tradition to celebrate his birthday with children at this centre.
“This initiative, which I have been part of for the past few years, has shown me that we still have people who are willing to share what they have with others, especially the less privileged.
“For your own information, Cossy Rules could have chosen to celebrate with his peers elsewhere, but he decided to spend his special day with these children.”
Luphahla, who has defied the challenges associated with visual impairment to establish himself as a brand ambassador and advocate for disadvantaged communities, added:
“I am challenging the business community to assist the poor and transform their lives, as Cossy Rules has demonstrated.
“It is not easy for one individual to sustain such an initiative every year because it is an expensive undertaking.
“It has always been my wish to see everyone joining hands to support the less privileged.”
Beyond the charitable initiative, Luphahla was also impressed by the wealth of artistic talent among people living with disabilities, which he believes needs to be nurtured and developed.
“I think you can see for yourselves that we have a lot of talent here and at other Jairos Jiri centres.
“I also came through this centre, as did people such as David Mabvuramiti, the musician and evangelist with ZAOGA, who also passed through here.
“Among you, I see talented artists who need media exposure to grow and develop.”
Luphahla, who has remained steadfast in representing people living with disabilities, said his commitment to charitable work and advocacy was a calling he was determined to uphold.
He described his involvement in supporting vulnerable communities and amplifying the voices of people with disabilities as a social responsibility that he would not abandon, adding that he had no regrets about the path he had chosen.
For him, the greatest reward lies in seeing lives transformed through collective efforts, particularly when those with the means to help extend a hand to those in need.
However, he believes that philanthropy should come from the heart rather than being driven by pressure or public recognition.
Luphahla also believes that the media has an important role to play in bringing hidden talent to the fore by giving aspiring artists with disabilities the publicity and platforms they need to compete in the mainstream creative industry.
