Hope on wheels: A South Hills family’s plea for help

A 75-year-old Jan van Niekerk from South Hills, Johannesburg, is facing a challenge that has left him yearning for a gift most of us take for granted: mobility.

Once a hardworking boilermaker, Van Niekerk now struggles with limited mobility and an array of health issues that have made life increasingly difficult.

At 130kg, Van Niekerk’s damaged knees and hips make walking nearly impossible, even for short distances. The ordeal began in 1987 when a workplace accident changed the course of his life forever.

While at his workplace, a 1,650kg metal block fell on him, causing serious injuries that required multiple surgeries and kept him hospitalised for two years.

Despite doctors’ efforts, the injuries were so severe that they declared him unfit to work, forcing him into early retirement.

“The outcome of the incident is hurting him because he cannot walk far; it is even hard for him to get to the gate,” explained his daughter, Bertha.

Life after the accident
The accident not only took a toll on Van Niekerk’s physical health but also strained his family’s finances. His wife, once a dedicated nurse, has since retired. His two daughters are also unemployed – one because of retrenchment and the other because of illness.

To make ends meet, Van Niekerk turned to baking and selling cakes, while his daughter Bertha was crafting and selling plastic roses.

Despite their efforts, the family struggles to afford necessities, let alone a wheelchair that could significantly improve Van Niekerk’s quality of life. The hearing loss Van Niekerk sustained from the loud noises while working as a boilermaker adds to his difficulties.

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The gift of mobility
For the past 12 years, Van Niekerk has relied on a Sassa old-age grant to survive. However, the grant is barely enough to cover his day-to-day needs, leaving no room for purchasing a wheelchair. He uses a cane to move around his house, but walking even short distances is painful and difficult.

“A wheelchair would mean the world to him. It would give him the freedom to move around and enjoy life without the constant pain and struggle,” said Bertha.

A community’s call to action
A wheelchair would not only restore his mobility but also bring back a sense of dignity and independence that he lost decades ago.

The family is reaching out to compassionate members of the community to help make this dream a reality. Whether through a financial donation, offering a second-hand wheelchair, or spreading the word, every effort counts.

How you can help
If you are in a position to contribute, contact Bertha at 084 424 8701 for more information. No contribution is too small; each one brings Jan closer to regaining his independence.

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