Local initiative seeks to spotlight abilities and fill a gap in community support
KARIEGA — A Kariega man who has been blind for more than two decades is preparing a talent show aimed at giving people with disabilities a public platform, but says he needs help to meet demand and cover basic running costs.
Reece Moses, 56, lost his sight in 2005 when he walked into a barbed-wire fence and damaged a nerve. Over the past 21 years he has organised clothing and nappy drives, sourced donated wheelchairs and run community projects in the town formerly known as Uitenhage. He now plans to host an event called Disability Ambassador at the Kariega town hall on 12 September, in co‑operation with the New Horizon Movement.
Moses, who is an apostle with the Spiritual Specialists Apostolic Prophetic Movement and a former professional ballroom dancer, modelling instructor and dance school owner, said the event is intended to showcase skills and give voice to vulnerable residents.
“The Lord gave me the vision to organise an event called Disability Ambassador,”
so Moses explained. He said five contestants have already entered and he expects more to register in the coming weeks. Current entrants include a deaf and speech‑impaired contestant, a semi‑blind photographer, a wheelchair‑bound bodybuilder and a visually impaired performer.
At present Moses and his wife, Letichia, who left paid employment to support his ministry, rely on his disability grant. They described funding as their biggest obstacle.
“We don’t need money for ourselves. What we need is help in any form, whether it is monetary or otherwise, to be there for people in need,”
Letichia said, according to reporting. She added that the couple manage month to month and that the project exists to serve people who she said have little voice in the community.
Small team, modest resources — local benefit could be significant
The event aims to combine performance and practical demonstration of skills so that contestants can show their capabilities to the public. Moses has identified a mix of entrants whose presentations will emphasise ability rather than disability.
| Detail | Current figure |
|---|---|
| Age of organiser | 56 |
| Years blind | 21 |
| Confirmed contestants | 5 |
| Event date | 12 September |
The organisers hope more entrants will bring the total to 12. A successful event could help beneficiaries gain visibility and possibly open doors to further support, volunteering and donations from within Kariega.
- Event: Disability Ambassador, Kariega town hall, 12 September.
- Organiser: Reece Moses (Spiritual Specialists Apostolic Prophetic Movement) with New Horizon Movement.
- Current needs: funding, material donations, volunteers and additional contestant registrations.
What this means for Kariega
The initiative highlights gaps in formal support for people with disabilities in towns across the Eastern Cape. While civil society groups and faith organisations often fill immediate needs, long‑term solutions require consistent funding, municipal support and accessible services. Moses’s appeal underlines the pressure on households that rely on a single grant to run community projects.
For residents who want to support the event, the organisers have not published contact details in the reporting available, but the Kariega town hall is the stated venue. Community members willing to assist with sponsorship, accessible transport, publicity or volunteer coordination can enquire at municipal community centres to be routed to the organisers.
As the town prepares to host the event, the spotlight will fall on whether local institutions and businesses step forward to back a grassroots attempt to broaden participation and recognition for people with disabilities in Kariega.
Further updates on entry numbers and logistical arrangements are expected as Moses finalises preparations ahead of the September date.
