What can we talk about?

Words by Zaza Muchemwa (Director & Writer)
Questions from Alex Gwaze (Curator) & Zaza Muchemwa

For far too long, society has been crippled by its own biases and misconceptions about people with disabilities. Fear, discomfort, and a lack of understanding can leave us speechless like a deer in headlights. But the truth is, this lack of exposure and understanding perpetuates separation and stigma. However, Soneni Gwizi is on a mission to change that.

As a journalist, radio and TV host, and disability rights activist, Soneni is dedicated to bridging the gap between ability and disability. In an industry where diversity and inclusion are still just buzzwords, her unapologetic approach to disability advocacy is forcing the media to reckon with its own ableism. Her passion for storytelling and disability advocacy is a welcomed breath of fresh air. And her professionalism has earned her numerous awards and recognition, including the prestigious Women 4 Africa award; becoming the Action on Disability and Development (ADD) ambassador, and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Ambassador for Zimbabwe. Awards aside, it’s her infectious enthusiasm, wit, and dedication to empowering others that have endeared her to her audience, earning her the nickname “Thandeka” (meaning “Be loved”).

Now, Soneni is taking her mission to the next level. Through her Schools Disability Talk Programs,  training for journalists, and her own personal story, she’s inspiring a new generation of leaders and change-makers. Soneni is helping us confront our own biases and assumptions, so that we can create a world where everyone is valued and respected.

ZM: Firstly, I read somewhere that you got into radio because your comms teacher said you “talk too much”.

SG: Wow, you’ve taken me back to my school days’ memory lane. It was my commerce teacher who said that, and it was during a commerce lesson. Now that I think of it, it does make sense that I talk a lot. It is in my talking that I educate people about disability. I now conduct my Schools Disability Talk Programme. I visit different schools to talk to learners about disability. I have these conversations each month in different schools, from primary schools, high schools, Sunday Schools, children to preschool. The learners have embraced the talks, and we’re all learning from each other.

AG: Which film or book would you recommend that you think represents what you go through well?

SG: My favorite book of all times is “Choices Changes” by Joni Eareckson Tada; there’s also a film about her life story. It represents the voices of people with disabilities in many ways. People with disabilities have life and do normal things. I am not going to go into why it’s good; just read it for yourself. You’ll love it, trust me.

AG: I saw your “journalist who understands disability issues” post about a journalist who went on her knees to interview you. How mindful do you think people in the media are?

SG: I have come to understand that it takes a journalist who is passionate about disability issues to seriously report well on it like any other story. Most times, I coach journalists on how to communicate with news sources with disabilities, so they are prepared.

ZM: For us who can’t afford the classes (laughs), could you give us a few pointers? Especially some do’s and don’ts?

SG: You guys always want free things (laughs). There are a few things I must mention: always put the person first before the disability; don’t focus on the disability of the person but see them as a human being. And always ask and don’t assume everyone’s experience is the same. And one last one, research! Consult and always have an open mind that people with disabilities are normal people who do things differently. Off the top of my head, this is what I can think of, but just like with everything, this requires proper training and time. That’s why I host training workshops and have talks on the regular. We all need to be taught how to interact with each other.

AG: That is very true! Talking about journalism and talking, you’ve interviewed multiple guests from all walks of life. Who is your favorite, and why?

SG: My career has drastically shifted, and I love it! When I used to be on radio and TV, I interviewed many guests with different amazing stories that made a huge impact on my personal life because they were real-life experiences of the people I interviewed. Stories of abuse, triumphs, and game-changing individuals. I am so grateful that I got to interview different people, and it gave me an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. I can’t really say who was my favorite because, for me, it’s part of one big experience. So I’ll say everyone I ever talked to is important to me because they gave me their time and their story.

ZM: Now I see why you earned the nickname “Thandeka” from your listeners.

SG: It’s a beautiful name, and I love the meaning of Thandeka, which means “Be loved”. That’s who I am; I want to believe that I’m lovable (laughs). I easily communicate with people from different backgrounds, including children. I genuinely give out my inner persona without fearing how the other person will respond. You got to give love to receive love.

AG: I read one of your favorite things you love to do is cook. True or false?

SG: (laughs) I must admit cooking is not my best thing to do, not because I have a disability. I’m just one of those people who can do anything to avoid getting into the kitchen. I prefer easy, fast meals that will get me out of the kitchen in a short time. So one of my favorite quick meals I love to make is mashed potatoes with mincemeat served with salad on the side.

ZM: I’m sure access to specific equipment that makes your life easier must be costly.

SG: All I can say is Assistive Devices are very expensive and out of reach for ordinary people who need them. The more comfortable they are, the more expensive they get. At the end of the day, it’s business for the manufacturer. But it’s like that with all things in life. You have to pay a lot for simple comforts.

AG: What is your favorite place to hang out that you feel caters to your needs?

SG: My favorite hangout place is home, actually. If I had my way, I would stay in my bedroom, just istening to all different types of music and enjoying. I’m an ambivert. I thrive in both solitude and with the right company.

AG: You are also a motivational speaker. Zim is a hard place to live in. So could you end off by giving us some motivation Thandi?

SG: Motivation for Zim. Woo. No pressure (laughs). In the past, I’ve moved from being a motivational speaker to “a Speaker,” and my subject is Disability. I can speak on different Disability topics such as Disability Inclusion, Women with Disabilities, Employment, Education, etc., to educate society on living with people with Disabilities. So I will share this quote – “A child with disabilities often spends hours being taught how to interact with others… but why don’t we spend time teaching those without disabilities how to interact with them?” – Colleen Peterson. I encourage readers to teach their children, niece, nephew, cousin, or any child under their care about disability so that we make this world disability-friendly!

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Follow Soneni @GwiziSoneni