Jabulani’s life made easier with motorised wheelchair
ANC Ekurhuleni chief whip Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi, joined by executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina and council speaker Clr Patricia Kumalo delivered a motorised wheelchair, toiletries and blankets to Jabulani Tshabalala on Mandela Day, in Vosloorus.
In his statement, the chief whip said, “upon receiving a letter of request from Wheels of Change, we were touched by the work the organisation is doing and the story of the gentleman by the name of Jabulani Tshabalala,” said Dlabathi.
The 47-year-old sole breadwinner is a hemiplegic, with total paralysis on his entire left part of the body. He is a double amputee with one functioning arm after he suffered a stroke in 2005. In 2009, he amputated his first leg and, the second leg was amputated in 2013.
“We strongly believe that our contribution will go a long way to make the life of Tshabalala a bit better,” he said.
Clr Dlabathi also extended his appreciation to all the sponsors who played various roles in helping to improve the life of Tshabalala in one way or the other.
He said, “These acts of kindness really affirm ‘Umuntu, Ngu Muntu Ngabantu’ (we are human beings through other human beings).”
Tshabalala could not hold back his tears as he expressed his happiness after receiving a brand new motorised wheelchair.
“Life became difficult but now that I have received this gift, life will be much better. I want to thank the chief whip of Ekurhuleni for opening his office to us and yielded to the request as it was forwarded to his office by Wheels of Change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wheels of Change Founder and CEO Thami Mankenkeza, said, “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the office of Ekurhuleni chief whip and social development for adopting our programme and ensuring that Jabulani Tshabalala gets a brand new motorised wheelchair.
“Tshabalala’s toilet has been extended from a normal toilet to a paraplegic toilet so that he can be independent as a person with disabilities,” he said.
Member of Provincial Legislature in Gauteng Phutas Tseki, said, “On this day we are called upon to do well to the less fortunate. We believe that this is the most important day of recognising our father, a global icon Nelson Mandela by bringing a smile to the less fortunate. However, this good act should be a replica of the other 364 days.” said Tseki.
