Themba’s passion for gardening flourished beyond boundaries
61-year-old, Themba Mncwango can be found tending to the beautiful garden area he has created at Merewent Cheshire Home.
WHETHER it’s scorching hot or pouring with rain, Themba Mncwango can be found tending to the beautiful garden area he has created at Merewent Cheshire Home.
He had an accident many years ago when he worked in a sugar cane field. What was a normal workday would soon change his life forever when he fell off a tractor and was severely injured when the tractor ploughed into him. He hurt his spine and injured his head, leaving him paralysed.
“His family wasn’t supportive of his condition. They didn’t take care of him and would even take his grant money. He ended up on the streets because he couldn’t find work. He eventually found a job, doing some garden work for a woman in Musgrave. That, however, came to an end when she had to migrate overseas,” explained Merewent Cheshire Home social worker, Samara Hughes.
The 61-year-old, who is originally from Umlazi, soon found a place to call home at Merewent Cheshire Home in 2013. He has won over the heart of the staff and spends his day attending to the garden, making sure it looks prim and proper.
“Gardening is therapeutic for him and keeps him going. It gives him something to do and keep him active. Because if he sits for a long time, his back worries him. He absolutely loves it and really cares about the plants. He even carries his tools in his wheelchair to help move them around. He is an inspiration to us all and we are happy to call him our resident,” she said.
The home has plans to move Themba’s garden to a better-suited location within premises, without causing damage to the plants. Anyone knowledgeable in horticulture or safely removing and replanting is requested to contact the home on 031-468-1667 or to visit the home situated at the corner of Tifflin and Eksteen Road in Merewent.
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