The pitiful state of families in need of wheelchairs has been highlighted by a ward councillor who has seen old and disabled people dragging themselves across the floor to get to ablution facilities or just to get a look at the outside world.
Councillor Bhehkowakhe Majola from Umloyomayo said that he is desperately seeking wheelchairs for six families in the area. “I have gone from pillar to post in need of help, but it seems futile.” Majola then approached The Ladysmith Herald in the hope of creating awareness about the harsh difficulties that these families are facing daily. “I will not be able to take the Herald to all the homes of those, but these two homes are close to my heart and I have been visiting them weekly to give them feedback and assistance where I can.” The Ladysmith Herald visited the home of 89-year-old Muntu Thabebe from Umloyomayo, who is confined to her bed and one-room building. Thabebe explained that on her “good” days she is able to crawl along on her buttocks to reach the door. “But I can’t do it all the time, I’m getting old and my body aches when I slide along the cold floor.”
Thabebe said that this is her only sweet escape – sitting at the door and looking outside. “I can’t go any further and if I want to go outside, the family needs to put my bed outside or carry me,” she added. Thabebe said that it is incredibly difficult to watch her family members struggle with her. “I try my best to stay in my bed, but there are days that I would just like to sit up a little outside.” Busisiwe Njembe, Thabebe’s daughter-in-law, cares for the pensioner and with only two small pension grants being paid out to the family of 10 adults and four children, Thabebe and her family are struggling to survive. “My son has lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it is getting harder and harder to feed ourselves, with rising food and fuel prices, the food on our table and on our cooking fires are getting less and less.” Thabebe said that if she had a wheelchair, she would be able to sit up and then at least be less of a burden on her family. At Fitty Park, 13-year-old Qaphelani Sithole’s smile lights up at the sight of Councillor Majola. “I visit when I can and help with donations for nappies,” said Majola.
Qaphelani Sithole is severely disabled and can only smile as his mother, Fakazile Sithole, desperately tries to make him comfortable. “He loves to look out the door so I managed with blankets and pillows to make it comfortable for him.” Sithole added that Qaphelani can’t speak or walk. The family receives a small grant, but that is not enough to take care of her son and the rest of her family. “My biggest problem is finding the funding for nappies that fit my son,” said Sithole. She went on to say that she loves her son and that he inspires her every day and enjoys interacting with people. “He might not be able to talk, but he knows when people are talking and he enjoys people’s company.” Qaphelani can’t walk either and spends most of his day on the ground, watching the outdoors. Sithole says that they currently make a little bed for him outside and that a wheelchair will add a great relief to her son’s life as he will be able to sit up properly and eat. “By him sitting up, he will be able to get more out of life and it will be easy to get him out and even take him to the local spaza shop nearby.”
