Zamokuhle a beacon of hope for the disabled

Daveyton-based NPO Zamokuhle Disability Development Care Centre continues to champion the rights and dignity of people living with disabilities through its work.

Situated at 6474 Brazil Street, Mayfield Ext 7, the organisation was established in 2016 by Zanele Shamase, who was inspired by the death of her mother who suffered a stroke.

For Zanele, the death of her mother highlighted the importance of caring for those who cannot care for themselves.

“I wanted to give love and care to those in need, just as I wished I could have been there for my mother,” she said.

The centre offers a range of services, including transportation for beneficiaries to clinics, hospitals and government facilities, food parcel distribution, home-based care and support groups.

“At one point, we provided temporary accommodation to beneficiaries between 2018 and 2020, as some were referred to us by hospitals. However, due to financial strain and the lack of consistent volunteers, we decided to focus solely on home-based care.”

Currently, the organisation supports 39 beneficiaries.

Despite the valuable service it renders, the centre operates without funding from the Department of Social Development and relies entirely on donations.

Zanele often has to contribute from her own pocket to sustain operations.

“The support we receive from the 100 Percent Foundation has been a lifeline. They donate food parcels every month, which we distribute among our beneficiaries.

“However, the food doesn’t always cover all 39 beneficiaries, and we still need additional assistance,” she said.

Operating out of a two-and-a-half-room site leased from the council, Zanele dreams of transforming the space into a larger, fully equipped facility.

“We hope to build a space with a storeroom and a boardroom. We also want to introduce computer skills courses, beadwork training and a daycare centre for people with disabilities, but to achieve this we need resources and volunteers.”

Call for support
To continue its work and expand its services, Zamokuhle Disability Development Care Centre is appealing for donations, including food for parcels, stationery, laptops, office furniture and other forms of assistance.

“People with disabilities deserve care, dignity and opportunities. We are determined to keep going, but we need help,” Zanele said.

To donate or support the centre contact them on 076 670 7512 or 072 380 8418.

Other Benoni organisations that deal with people living with disabilities:
• The Apricot Tree for disabled children and youths: 076 137 4772.
• Daveyton Association for the Physically Disabled: www.daveytonapd.org.za.
• Elethu Cheshire Home, Daveyton: 011 424 7050.

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