Borehole for Ri a Kona Disability Centre
Many residents depend on nearby springs for drinking water, which is also used as waterholes for animals.
LIMPOPO – As part of celebrating Disability Month, Phalaphala FM joined forces with well-known disabled farmer and company owner, Chillyboy Rathando, to donate a borehole to the Ri a Kona Disability Centre in Siloam, which is part of the Nzhelele Disability Forum.
The official handover of the borehole to the centre took place on November 29.
Nzhelele is one of the areas in the Vhembe region significantly affected by the current drought.
Many residents depend on nearby springs for drinking water, which is also used as waterholes for animals.
Sharon Ravele, Phalaphala FM programme manager emphasised that it has become a tradition at the station to give back to the community.
“We heard about the organisation’s plight, having been thirsty for a long time now, and we felt that the station could make an intervention by supplying them with access to clean running water.”
During the handover, Rathando mentioned that his company had recognised the centre’s dire need for water, prompting them to take action. He urged other businesspeople to follow suit and contribute to community development.
Rathando emphasised that disabled individuals have talent and should not be underestimated.
He encouraged them to strive for self-sufficiency, creating job opportunities for themselves and others.
A councillor, Maggie Mathalise expressed her gratitude to Phalaphala FM and Rathando for their generosity, stating: “Water is life, and without water, we cannot progress. This donation will go a long way in improving the lives of the disabled.”
Mathalise also urged centre members to take good care of the borehole and be vigilant against vandals who may attempt to damage it.
