Esselen Park family makes emotional appeal for a wheelchair

An Esselen Park resident, Martin Siwela (66) is finding it difficult to maneuver around his home after his only reliable “old” wheelchair has broken.

This pensioner born with a disability has spent most of his life in a wheelchair.

Siwela also suffers from several illnesses such as asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes.

When speaking to The Tembisan, Siwela said he would appreciate it if a good Samaritan, charitable programmes or business people could help in donating a new wheelchair, preferably an electric wheelchair which will help him move around comfortably.

“I cannot afford to purchase even an ordinary wheelchair. I cannot do anything with my left hand and leg. I am only relying on my right hand to push my broken wheelchair and it’s tiring,” added Siwela.

He said sometimes he wants to socialise with his neighbours or buy something at a nearby spaza shop but he can’t because of his inadequate wheelchair. “I often become extremely frustrated. My niece takes care of me, but only checks up on me before she goes to work and when she returns,” he said.

Siwela emphasised that life for a disabled person in this country has not improved considerably, especially with transportation and other public institutions. His niece, Anna Khumalo, said she decided to work night shifts so that she can look after her uncle.

“Every morning I drop off food for him before I go to sleep and again before I go to work. My biggest worry is that my uncle wouldn’t be able to escape should something dangerous occur or take care of the situation. If he could at least get a decent wheelchair, our frustrations will be less,” added Khumalo.

The Siwela family is desperately appealing to members of the community or any individual to donate or assist with donating a wheelchair to the disabled elderly.

Meanwhile, his sister who stays in Ivory Park, Agetha Siwela, said it is difficult for her to check up on her brother every day because she sometimes does not have taxi fare. “As a family, we are trying our best to take care of Martin and sometimes I manage to spend a few days with him. When I am far from him I stress a lot because he takes medication for his illnesses. We would be happy if anyone could donate a wheelchair,” said Siwela.

For any donation, the Siwela family can be contacted on 073 114 7348.