Farrarmere’s Themba back on his feet after being certified paraplegic

In January 2012, Themba Zwane of Farrarmere survived a traumatic motor vehicle accident in Petite, which led to him being declared a paraplegic.

Bound to a wheelchair, the thriving businessman soon had to accept that his life would never be the same and that he would soon have to explain to two of his grandchildren, that his new wheels are not a toy but his only source of mobility.

Since the beginning of this year, Themba can, however, be seen walking through the streets of Farrarmere with the aid of crutches.

Walking about 4.5km daily, his presence on the streets has garnered widespread interest from residents and motorists.

“It takes me about two to three hours to complete the route but the time and the distance isn’t of much concern to me,” Themba said.

“These daily walks are an achievement and asserts that I am alive. It is a celebration of my existence.”

Describing himself as able-bodied with limitations, Themba concedes that adjusting to life after such a severe accident was a lot to process.

However, regular rehabilitative sessions and the support of a dedicated psychological team made the transition easier.

“I was fortunate that the accident only injured my body and that my mind was sound enough to adapt,” he said.

“Through counselling, I could go through the motions of understanding my limitations and finding means to adjust.

“By the grace of God, my will power brought me to this point.”

Themba explained that during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, he was systematically able to stand with the aid of a standing frame under the guidance of his dedicated care-giver.

As his standing time progressively became longer, he ‘graduated’ to using a walking frame slowly gaining momentum and mobility within the safe confines of his home.

Once outdoor exercise was again permitted when lockdown restrictions eased, Themba could be found in Tugela Road, Farrarmere, being pushed in his wheelchair from lamp post to lamp post and then, with the help of his caregiver, walking to the next lamp post himself with the help of crutches.

As Themba gained strength and confidence he slowly started walking longer distances.

“Once my feet started moving, I became unstoppable,” he said, flushing with pride.

“To move independently has been empowering to me as a human being.

“When you are in a wheelchair, people tend to speak of you through the person pushing the chair, almost as if it automatically stunts your mental capabilities.”

Despite being concerned by his daily walks, Thembi, his wife of 43 years, supports Themba’s resilience.

Themba said that although he firmly believes he has achieved everything he set out to do, he hopes that with his new found mobility he will one day be able to step into a swimming pool and enjoy floating weightlessly in the lapping water.

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