CITY of uMhlathuze Ward 6 Councillor Dumisani Ndimande has heaped praise on KwaBhejane Traditional Authority’s iNkosi Nolwazi Khoza for displaying true leadership qualities.
Ndimande was speaking last week at a meeting to officially welcome disabled children to the area.
The children were left in the lurch following their eviction from the property they have been using since 2014 at Mkhuphulangwenya near Mtunzini.
They were given three months notice to vacate the property belonging to a private owner, who wants to turn it into an entertainment area.
‘This is the kind of leadership we need from traditional leaders who put the interest of their communities first.
‘Had it not been for the kindness of iNkosi Khoza, these poor children would still be loitering around, disabled as they are, because they had nowhere else to go,’ said Ndimande.
‘We thank iNkosi Khoza for providing shelter for these 22 children, some of whom are orphans.’
In welcoming the children, iNkosi Khoza said she was devastated to learn about the plight of the children who were being moved from pillar to post.
‘It pained me to learn of their situation. After having met with my traditional council, we took a decision to accommodate them in the old tribal court, even though the structure there is not in compliance with the requirements of people living with disabilities.
Challenge
‘There is still the challenge of making proper toilets available to them, since the existing toilets inside the buildings are difficult to access for disabled persons.
‘We appeal to anyone who can assist with donations of blankets, food, socks and other items that could be useful to these kids,’ she said.
Caregiver and Manager at the Nkosi Sihawukele Disabled Care Centre, Nomusa Mbatha, could not contain her excitement.
‘We are grateful for the hospitality we have received from iNkosi Khoza. We are particularly pleased that she has given us the right to occupy the court buildings while we are still looking for sponsors to assist us in building our own centre.
‘We have secured land at Macekane Reserve, but we need funding for construction.
The meeting was also attended by representatives from the uThungulu Community Foundation.
