Local NPO saves the day
The distribution included food items essential to the 12-year-old’s dietary needs as well as much needed cleaning supplies.
The Diepkloof NPO, Pelican Light Foundation visited the Mashonganyika family in Jabulani to hand over supplies for 12-year-old Mthabile Mashonganyika who has been living with Cerebral palsy since birth.
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The distribution included food items essential to the 12-year-old’s dietary needs as well as much needed cleaning supplies.
Mashonganyika who was born in 2010 at the Johannesburg Hospital has been in the care of his unemployed mother, Tendai Mashonganyika who explained that doctors informed her that she suffered complications during birth that led to the disruption of oxygen supply to her son.
Due to his severe condition, the young Mashonganyika is unable to speak or walk.
“We are extremely happy that pelican light came to see us. We remain grateful for help especially when it comes to my son.
“Especially with getting diapers, they have become expensive and that is what he uses.
“He also eats differently as his meals have to be soft since he can’t chew so we welcome any donations,” said the mother of three.
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The family which hails from Zimbabwe, currently rents out a back room with their two sons.
The family of four relies on the sole income of Mthabile’s father who works odd jobs to sustain the family.
The family said this made it harder to help meet their son’s growing needs.
“I tried taking him to a special school in 2016 where he used to attend at Talita Stimulation Centre but I couldn’t keep up with the required funds and he had to stay at home where I take care of him 24/7,” she told Urban News.
“If he could find a school, at least I would be able to look for a job since the child does not receive a disability grant because we are not from this country.”
Despite there being no cure for cerebral palsy and the condition lasting for life, the 12-year-old Mashonganyika loves watching soccer and is said to be a super fan of local football club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Daniel Boshomane, Founder of the Foundation said, “We are simply here to offer our support to the family. We heard about their story and we wanted to meet the young boy.
“We got to engage with the boy and the family and the young man was in good spirits. As a foundation, we are always looking to assist where we can.”
The NPO was founded over two years to primarily respond to the needs of impoverished communities. Boshomane added that the organisation will be working to direct more aid towards the family.
In 2022, a local NPO from Pimville donated a special wheelchair to the family, which Mashonganyika said has been a life changer.
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“Since he got a wheelchair, life has become easier. He loves watching cars and people pass by. We are now able to move him around and go to the mall unlike when he was cooped up in the house before.”
