New facilities handed over to cerebral palsy community

THIS year’s Disability Month theme, which was celebrated globally in November, was ‘Empowering Persons with Disabilities through resourceful, sustainable and safe environments’.

Sibaya Casino and Sibaya Community Trust did exactly that. On Friday, December 2, they officially handed over a new block of classrooms and ablution facilities built for the KZN Cerebral Palsy Association.

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The staff were excited about the new colourful classrooms, saying that the new facility will most certainly provide an environment that is conducive to stimulation programmes as well as a space for fun times.

The association was founded in 1969, in order to provide support services and care to the cerebral palsied community. The purpose of the association is to cater for the needs of those living with cerebral palsy, and to create awareness in communities and society as a whole, about the disability, and of the people who live with it.

Speaking at the hand-over, Vivian Reddy, chairman of Sibaya Casino and Sibaya Community Trust, said they fully understand that people with disabilities already have a difficult life.

“For us at the Trust, we love projects that makes the lives of vulnerable people easier. We love projects that involve upliftment of children, especially those with challenges.

There are so many children needing facilities of this nature to receive care, therapy and participation in developmental activities on a daily basis,” said Reddy.

He said cerebral palsy affects people in different ways. “Some may have very mild symptoms, which are barely noticeable, while others may be profoundly affected and require help with many or all aspects of their daily life; thus we are proud to be associated with this over-50-year-old organisation that offers remarkable services with care and compassion to our disabled communities.

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“This expansion will most certainly meet the ever-growing needs for those with cerebral palsy,” said Reddy.

He revealed that the Sibaya Community Trust have invested R250m in social upliftment thus far.

“We will soon be hosting an event on this philanthropic responsibility but more so to acknowledge NPOs like KZN Cerebral Palsy who are at the ground level, working extremely hard to create a conducive atmosphere and environment for our vulnerable people.

“We are committed to service to humanity for we believe it is the work of God; we already have many projects in the pipeline for the new year,” he said.

Reddy thanked Construction for Africa for their dedication and compassion in the building process.

He wished KZN Cerebral Palsy many successes and said he looks forward to hearing how these classrooms have impacted on the lives of those with cerebral palsy.

Musa Radebe, the recently appointed chairman of KZN Cerebral Palsy, expressed his gratitude to Reddy for his approval for Sibaya Trust to build the much-needed facility comprising of classrooms and ablutions.

He said they have 23 children and adults who attend the centre with the youngest being six months old.

“This beautiful space will be used as a therapy centre and a classroom for the Blue Group.”

Radebe, who has a 19-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy, said one becomes emotional when thinking about how far the centre has come.

“Since its inception in 1969, the centre has provided a home to many kids, young women and men who seemed forgotten in society. Donors such as Mr Reddy have kept this centre open until now, and we believe it will stay open for as long as it is needed by the families who would otherwise not know what to do to take care of their physically and mentally challenged kids.

“We thank the Sibaya Community Trust from the bottom of our hearts for their generous sponsorship,” said Radebe.

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