Two Rivers donates custom wheelchairs to Ngwaabe residents
The mine has promised to revisit this initiative in order to reach more community members in need.
Two Rivers Platinum Mine, in partnership with Ngwaabe NPO, Maphuthaditshuana and Sekhukhune Health, donated 20 specialised wheelchairs and walking aids to individuals living with disabilities on June 5.
The handover, held at Ga-Rantho Community Hall, was attended by representatives of the Sekhukhune SAPS, Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM), Ga-Rantho Tribal House, and the Limpopo Department of Health, among others.
A community wellness programme gave locals the opportunity to get screened for a variety of diseases and conditions such as HIV/Aids, high cholesterol, hypertension and tuberculosis.
To fully understand the challenges faced by community members, Two Rivers initiated health impact assessments in line with the mine’s bid to prioritise the health of those living in its communities.
Numerous households were found to have no access to wheelchairs, while some had wheelchairs in impaired condition, making life more challenging for the individuals and their families.
“By providing these wheelchairs, which are tailored to the specific requirements and measurements of each recipient, we hope to improve the mobility and quality of life for individuals living with disabilities,” said Mamatsha Legodi, Two Rivers’ social performance leader.
He thanked the doctors from Sekhukhue Health for assisting with the assessments.
Legodi said the mine plans to revisit this initiative in order to reach more community members in need.
The recipients expressed heartfelt messages of gratitude. Beneficiary representative, Moses Maripane from Maphuthaditshuana, said through this support, Two Rivers has given those living with disabilities the value of respect and dignity.
The FTLM’s acting mayor, Morassia Mabelane, applauded Two Rivers and its partners. “These wheelchairs will serve to empower and motivate community members to live their lives fully and with the freedom that they deserve. They will not only enhance the lives of the recipients, but will also serve as a symbol of hope in creating a more inclusive world for marginalised communities.”
