WATCH: Zonkezizwe man finally receives a new wheelchair

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) spoiled Katlehong resident Paulito Chiehaza (23) with an early Christmas gift.

This followed the plea from his mother, Reeareina Mawelele (46) for a wheelchair donation in an article published by Kathorus MAIL on December 13.

On December 23, David Matlakala from the NCPD visited the family at Zokizizwe to deliver a new wheelchair to the family. Matlakala said a receptionist from Ext 28 Clinic in Vosloorus brought the story to his attention.

“The woman forwarded us the article because she knew we previously assisted someone. She knew I worked for an organisation that helps persons living with disabilities,” said Matlakala.

He mentioned as they assist people living with disabilities with assistive devices, not every wheelchair is suitable for a person in need of it.

“For example, a person with multiple disabilities will need a specialised wheelchair,” he explained.

“We are restoring dignity to our people and appeal to members of the public to visit our website to donate so that we can continue to touch the lives of our people.”

Matlakala said NCPD facilitated the handover which was made possible through the generous donation from Vodacom.

Chiehaza has been wheelchair-bound since 2020 after he was involved in an accident that left him paralysed.

Although his mother was not present during the accident, she recalls her son leaving home in the afternoon to visit a friend at Ext 6, Katlehong, on October 20, 2019, around 17:00.

She said a minibus taxi struck her son while crossing Dihlabakela Road from Zonkizizwe. After spending a few days in the ICU at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, they finally transferred him to a step-down unit.

He spent the remainder of the month on the hospital’s floor. His physical state remained precarious, so the doctors decided to readmit him for an additional month.

Before receiving the new wheelchair, he used an old wheelchair the hospital gave him when they discharged him three years ago.

The wheelchair’s parts, rims and wheels have worn out. Its backrest was damaged and replaced with cardboard.

Chiehaza had also outgrown the wheelchair. His legs touched the floor when he sat on it because the footplate and the leg rest were damaged.

The family, including the mother and Chiehaza’s siblings, three brothers and a sister, could not afford to buy him a new wheelchair as they are unemployed.

Upon receiving the much-needed wheelchair, Mawelele expressed her gratitude to the NCPD.

“This will make my son’s life easy because he will be able to move around. He loves going out for fresh air; even before the accident he enjoyed going out for a walk,” said Mawelele.

To assist NCPD in reaching many other people in need, members of the public may visit the NCPD website to donate at https://ncpd.org.za/