Thando receives special wheelchair

SECUNDA – Thandolwethu Motshobi can now take part in school activities thanks to somebody who had given her a wheelchair.

She is a learner from Marietjie Special School and is suffering weight issues that cause her legs to bend.

Her left leg is more bent, because she uses the left side of her body to balance when she walks.

Thandolwethu (11) was born a normal child who was very active and loved to run around.

Her mother, Ms Hleziphi Motshobi, said she began to gain weight at the age of six and they never thought it was something they had to worry about.

She attended a crèche in eMbalenhle and walked to Vukuzithathe Primary School when she was in Grade 1.

The school suggested she enrolls with a special school, because she experienced slow learning problems.

Ms Motshobi decided to register her at Marietjie Special School in Secunda.

She said her daughter’s condition is unknown, but is not obesity because Thandolwethu does not eat a lot.

“Thandolwethu is not gaining weight because of the food she eats.

“She eats very little and most of the time only eats brown rice,” said Ms Motshobi.

Thandolwethu and her classmates could not contain their excitement when the wheelchair arrived on Monday, 24 October.

Ms Hester du Plessis, Thando’s teacher, said she will now be able to take part in many school activities because she has the freedom of movement.

“Thandolwethu has a bubbly personality and everyone in class loves her.

“She always sends me kisses in class,” said Ms du Plessis.

One of Thandolwethu’s classmates, Sibusiso Cindi, said it will now be easier for them to push Thandolwethu around in the new wheelchair.

Thandolwethu still needs another wheelchair for home.

She loves wearing beautiful dresses and go to church on Sundays, but it becomes difficult if she does not have a wheelchair.

She previously mentioned that she cannot walk long distances and relies on her little brother and mother for assistance.

Thandolwethu cannot walk 20 metres without getting tired and suffering from pain.

Her grandmother said her grandchild’s vision is also beginning to fall through the cracks.

She was very excited to hear that Thandolwethu has received a wheelchair to use at school and has faith that her granddaughter will receive one for home as well.

“May the good Lord bless the person who gave my granddaughter hope and freedom of movement.

“There are people out there who are still able to help the needy and I feel like crying tears of joy,” said Thandolwethu’s grandmother.

Those who can help Thandolwethu get a second specialised wheelchair to use at home, can contact Ms Motshobi at 073 113 6780 or Marietjie Special School at 017 631 1474/5.

Also see: Thando desperately requires a special wheelchair