Impumelelo Self Help Centre in Pollak Park, which supports people living with disabilities such as quadriplegics and paraplegics, received a deep clean on Friday thanks to ward councillor Thulani Simelane and his team.

Simelane explained, “I decided to organise the deep clean campaign because the centre doesn’t have enough staff to do deep cleaning as part of the residents’ health requirements.

“We must take care of the people living with disabilities because most of the time they don’t have anyone available to assist.”

Abram Matheatau, 53, vice-chairperson of the facility and a resident for over 10 years, said he was glad to see the support.

“We have the responsibility of managing the human resources, maintenance and repairs. I am happy to see the team being here to help clean our home. We used to get a lot of support in the past, but that is not the reality anymore,” he said.

Matheatau also spoke about the challenges of living with a disability.

“When I travel with someone, whether to town or to a doctor, people often address that person instead of speaking directly to me. Without giving me a chance, they immediately assume I cannot speak for myself,” he explained.

Volunteer Ntokozo Mahlangu, who has been helping for five years, encouraged the community to support the centre.

“We have been struggling to get sponsors and donors since Covid-19. We would really appreciate if local businesses and the community at large could help where they can,” he said.