Gogo appeals for wheelchair for grandson

A DURBAN woman is appealing to the community or service clubs to help with a donation of a wheelchair for her grandson.

Nokuthula Shezi said her grandson, Mlungisi Khumalo, (14), was orphaned, after his father drowned in 2004, and his mother died of cancer the following year.

Mlungisi has cerebral palsy and is reliant on a wheelchair to get around.

“I have been caring for Mlungisi since his parents passed. I tried my best to get him a mobile wheelchair, but I couldn’t afford to build a ramp at my home, and he fell when we were going down a steep hill outside my house. I haven’t had money for repairs. I am looking for a manual wheelchair for him so we can get him to school. He is tiny, but he is getting tall, so would need an adult wheelchair,” she said.

Nokuthula said she has had to carry Mlungisi on her back to take him to catch a bus to school, and neighbours have to carry him back home in the afternoons.

“He can’t go out and meet with children, it’s sad. I tried to get a wheelchair from King Edward Hospital, but they are no longer offering them. He is such a clever boy and wants to learn how to learn to use a computer. If anyone can donate an old laptop, I’d be very grateful,” she said.

Nokuthula said Mlungisi is a happy boy, who is good with technology, and is the one who helped her to learn how to use her cellphone.

“Mlungisi wants to be a singer and enjoys rapping!” she said.

If anyone can help, contact Nokuthula on 082 787 5961.