Manne in Rolstoele has its year-end function

The group was founded by Yster Smal a few years ago while he was helping at the Salvation Army in Pretoria, where he saw a few army veterans sitting in wheelchairs.

“Some of the veterans who were forced into wheelchairs due to accidents and action they saw in northern Namibia and southern Angola during the border conflict were forgotten by the same generals who sent them to fight in the war.

“I asked myself what will I tell my children one day? Will I tell them I also forgot the people who sacrificed everything?

“That’s the day I decided to start the project to help pick up those who can’t stand for themselves. The first events we had were fishing at Irene Country Lodge in Pretoria and another one was held at the naval base in Durban.

“Since the start, we have collected enough funds to donate wheelchairs, crutches and clothes to military veterans, but the project has since grown to include children and people who can’t afford the basics,” said Smal.

The function at Turffontein was the group’s first-day tour, as Smal is planning in the future to start doing day tours to various attractions in places around Durban and Pretoria.

The day was attended by only a few members, as some of the members either had Covid-19 or were in isolation due to someone close to them having Covid.

The day also included a meal, a drink and a small torch for everyone in attendance.

The group is not just limited to military veterans but also includes people who were paralysed in car crashes or other accidents.

There are also amputees in the group.

Smal added, “We want to plan an India2Atlantic rally where teams can enter to drive from Port Natal in Durban to Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape. All the funds we raise during the rally will go to further support our members and ensure our future projects and adventures are funded. We are also planning a fishing trip to the naval base in Durban during Easter weekend next year.”

Anyone looking to either join the group or donate towards the group can contact Smal either via email at ystersmal@gmail.com or call on 081 754 8144.