Retshepile Mbonani could not contain her excitement when she received a new motorised wheelchair last Thursday.
Ms Mariëtte Botha, teacher at Basizeni Special School in eMbalenhle, said Retshepile is a triplegic and is losing muscle tone rapidly.
She knew that the learner needed urgent intervention and a motorised wheelchair was the only answer.
One of the options was to do the Jacaranda 94.7 Cycle Race and many people shared the vision and volunteered to join them to raise the money.
“The final straw was when Retshepile fell in class and I knew something needed to be done urgently.
“With a broken heart and helping and comforting her, I loudly pleaded for a wheelchair for her soon.
“The following day I received a phone call from Liné de Vries from Hoërskool Oosterland who said she had no idea where she got my number from, but asked whether I knew of someone who needed a wheelchair,” said Ms Botha.
Ms De Vries informed Ms Botha that Hoërskool Oosterland hosted a wheelchair challenge at the Wieleskou and they wanted to help someone who had mobility issues.
Retshepile was examined by Dr Pieter Botha, an orthotist, and a quotation was obtained.
The school and Retshepile’s father, a miner, managed to also involve the medical aid.
“I contacted Ms Antionette Fraser at the medical aid scheme and explained to her what Retshepile needed and she promised we would have a motorised wheelchair by the middle of June.
“Retshepile also received R8 000 from the Hoërskool Oosterland Wieleskou Fundraising Project and we were all very grateful,” added Ms Botha.
Mathys Roets, a singer, organised a wheelchair race and the money raised was given to Basizeni Special School.
The school also celebrated the Day of Mobility and many people, family members and companies joined them when they presented the wheelchair to Retshepile.
The school said the money raised by Hoërskool Oosterland was transferred for Naledi, who is also a paraplegic learner at the school.
Naledi also needs a motorised wheelchair or a shop rider and currently relies on someone to assist him as his strength is deteriorating.
The quotation for Naledi’s wheelchair is R40 000 and they currently have the R8 000 that they received from Hoërskool Oosterland.
The principal, Ms Miriam Rampai, said they had a wonderful day filled with love and blessings.
She thanked all the sponsors for making a difference in Retshepile’s life.
Another learner with a cerebral palsy received a walking frame to assist her at home.
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