Saumel Leburu kicked off Seniors Month in good spirit when he received a new wheelchair on Friday last week.
Thanks to the Department of social Development, South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) and the leadership of Ward 30, the Orlando East pensioner has regained his freedom of movement.
The month of October is marked as Seniors Month in South Africa and it is dedicated to raising awareness about care for elders. People from all walks of life are encouraged to take care and protect elderly persons from harm.
“As a way of kicking off Seniors Month, we decided to give one of our own a wheelchair,” said Bela Motswana from the African National Congress in Ward 30.
Leburu has been unable to walk for a very long time due to ill health and age. Motswana and her team decided to approach Social Development and ask for a wheelchair.
“Life was very difficult for him. He couldn’t even go to town because he was always sited on a chair in his house. From now on, he will be able to move and go wherever he wants,” said Motswana.
The wheelchair was handed on the eve of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) which falls on October 1.
This year’s campaign aims to draw attention and challenges all negative stereotypes and misconceptions associated with older persons.
