With Disability Rights Awareness Month taking place between 3 November and 3 December, it’s a good time to celebrate the heroes who refuse to allow disability to stand in their way.
Cheyne Hoareau, owner of C&G Autotune, is one such hero. A lifelong fan of fast cars and bikes, Cheyne’s days as a competitive motorcyclist came to an end after he broke his neck in a near-fatal accident in 2011. Although he was told he would remain bedridden for the rest of his life, Cheyne is a natural-born fighter and that’s exactly what he did. Today, although he still struggles to walk without support, Cheyne is able to drive manual and automatic cars, bakkies, and small trucks unassisted.
What’s more, he continues to run C&G Autotune, the workshop he established in 2003. The workshop specialises in the German car market, servicing small trucks and bakkies, overhauling engines, gearbox and diff repairs, and performance upgrades, as well as providing employment for 10 people who have been handpicked and trained by Cheyne.
A rock in hard times
Cheyne admits that recovery was not easy. “My dad motivated me to be the best man that I could be and inspired me with his wisdom and business integrity. He is still my rock in hard times; pushing me to follow my dreams and passion by taking it one day at a time.”
Cheyne’s tenaciousness and perseverance played a big role in being able to overcome the many challenges — both physical and emotional — he faced after his accident, but he remains true to his motto: “Always give 150%”. His advice? “Live each day to the fullest. Your life isn’t over until you breathe your last breath, so get out there and make it happen.”
MIWA chairperson Dewald Ranft says Disability Awareness Month is a time for introspection on how we can advance the rights of persons with disabilities, and people like Cheyne are excellent role models.
MIWA-accredited workshops opened up to learners in Eastern Cape special needs schoolWe recently opened up some of our accredited workshops to learners from a special needs school in the Eastern Cape. This initiative is not just about providing opportunities for these students; it’s about ensuring the longevity of our industry and addressing the skills shortage by igniting a love for our industry in our youth.
Hopefully, we will be able to partner with other schools in different regions as well and expand the programme so that any learner, regardless of their disability who has a passion and love for the sector, can succeed.
Inspirational stories such as Cheyne’s must be told as they play an important part in our awareness of opportunities in the sector.