Confined to a single room with no chance of mobility due to excruciating pain in her body, is part of the daily life of Zanele Ndebele.
The 32-year-old was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.
Due to her condition, her limbs, hands and feet are deformed and she cannot use a standard wheelchair but rather needed a specialised paediatric one which would help cushion her aching body.
She has been a resident at La Gratitude Home for Aged for the past five years, where special attention and care is given to her condition.
Zanele’s mother and father, who were also residents of the home, have since passed away, leaving her with little to no family to help her.
“She often just sits in her room because there is no way to carry her out and let her socialise with the other residents,” said La Gratitude Consultant and retired social worker, Amelia Lubbe.
Lubbe said that Zanele was a pleasant soul who never complained despite her condition.
Thanks to social worker, Thobeka Dube who approached a physiotherapist at the Department of Health in Madadeni, Zanele was identified as one of the recipients.
On May 16, Zanele received a paediatric wheelchair that would not only offer her mobility but improve her quality of life.
“She was a bit apprehensive to sit in it at first for fear of the pain and discomfort,” said a caregiver.
But at the sight of the wheelchair and being able to move from one place to another, Zanele’s eyes welled up with tears and the brightest smile spread across her face.
“Zanele can now go out in the sun and mingle with the other residents,” concluded Lubbe.
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