New wheels for Edenvale’s NCPD beneficiaries
“We wish you all the best and wish you many happy kilometres in your wheelchairs.”
Two children recently received new wheelchairs after Absa partnered with the Edenvale-based National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa.
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Held on September 6 at NCPD’s head offices on Andries Pretorius Road the donation was the fourth of its kind.
The handover saw 11-year-old Thokozile Thusi and 12-year-old Mohaw Kekana each receive wheelchairs worth R31 000 each.
An amount of R31 000 was raised by Absa employees which the company matched.
NCPD’s senior manager of programmes and governance, Danie Marais, said the council was extremely grateful for the donation.
“I can still remember the first time the council was contacted about this plan and we said yes with the greatest of pleasure.”
“Since then, it has grown into a longstanding partnership between Absa and the NCPD.”
Marais said because of the donation Thokozile and Mohaw are now mobile.
Absa’s Jason Janse van Vuuren said the project was close to Absa’s heart
“We are honoured to be here but the guests of honour are Thokozile and Mohaw.
“We are glad to see you in your wheelchairs. We wish you all the best and many happy kilometres in your wheelchairs.”
He thanked the Absa staff for their contributions to the project.
Marais explained the wheelchairs were specially designed for each child and required specialised equipment.
“The wheelchairs were specifically designed for each child to allow them to be comfortable, active and happy,” said Daanie.
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Fellow Absa staff member Bernice Abrahams said she was happy the donation could make a difference in the lives of the Thusi and Kekana families.
Grandmother of Mohaw, Rose Kekana, said the family felt overwhelmed.
“This was the first wheelchair Mohaw had received. Thank you to everyone for contributing towards assisting Mohaw.”
Rose said before receiving the wheelchair, the family would often think twice before doing everyday tasks such as shopping.
“We would ask ourselves if we had the energy to carry Mohaw until we got a trolley so that we could put him inside,” said Rose.
“Sometimes the trolleys are not comfortable for him.”
Emma Thusi, Thokozile’s mother, said she was excited after hearing her child would receive a wheelchair.
“I was struggling, she’s heavy and when I go anywhere, I need to carry her with me,” said Emma.
“I could not take her to town because I didn’t have a wheelchair, but now I can so I would like to thank everyone who helped my child.”
Emma highlighted that the donation is life-changing.
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The finance manager for the council Shavisani Tsumele said the donation has not only benefited the Thusi and Kekana families but the NCPD too.
He said it is the council’s responsibility to look for assistive devices and then buy them with donated funds.
However, with Absa’s assistance, this was made easier.
“We thank you for what you have done for the beneficiaries and the NCPD as well.”
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