New wheelchair for Michael

A resident, who volunteered during the special votes days of this year’s local elections, did not know that would be the day she opened her heart to someone in need.

Judy Wilson explained that a man in a wheelchair, Michael Botha came to vote on the day of special votes, but was turned away when he found out he was not registered. Wilson said she noticed that Botha’s wheelchair was broken, tied together with wire and there were no handles. She decided that something needed to be done and immediately went to Dis-Chem at Retail Crossing to ask for help. “I asked the manager, if I collect half the money for a new wheelchair would they help with the other half.” She was told that Dis-Chem will donate its own, which is one they use for their own customers. The only problem, they said, was the chair did not have footrests. Botha, however, did not need footrests as he is a double amputee as a result of a motorbike accident in 1983.

Dis-Chem’s assistant manager, Ricardo Kathan said this is not the first time the company has made a donation such as this, as they try to assist the community. BCI Protection Services also became involved in doing its part for the community. They donated the balance bar, which is needed on the wheelchair.

Botha said he is very grateful for the donation. He said he has had the same wheelchair for 16 years, which his father bought him. “The new wheelchair means that I am able to go back to work,” said an emotional Botha.

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