Maria Rantho

Maria Rantho (1953 – 12 July 2002) was a South African disability rights activist and politician. She was the first wheelchair user elected to the National Assembly of South Africa. She was a former chairperson of Disabled People South Africa and served as deputy chair of Disabled Peoples' International. She was also involved in the development of South Africa's disability policy. Quotes We felt that there was a need to create a voice of our own, where we would, for the first time, be able to advocate for our own rights, without having to depend on professionals to speak on our behalf. University of Cape Town We felt that there was a need for such an organisation to be formed because when we speak of service-provider organisations, we know that disabled persons are deemed to be perpetually dependent on others to do things for them. University of Cape Town As disabled people, we had a special interest in the democratization process. Washington Post The disabled are no longer the forgotten citizens of our country. Washington Post It is imperative to get rid of merit as the overriding principle in the appointment of public servants. Mail & Guardian I am a disabled woman and I am proud to be one. Disabled Peoples' International External links Category:1953 births Category:2002 deaths Category:Women activists from South Africa Category:Women politicians in South Africa Category:Disability rights activists Category:Women born in the 1950s