#WheelchairProject: Little Olwethu is mobile for the first time ever
For the past five years, Olwethu’s mother, Ness has carried him to the creche and back, walking many kilometres and sacrificing her body to ensure her son received a proper education, and was relieved she could finally ‘have a rest’.
When he realised his life was about to change for the better, five-year-old Olwethu Macu’s face lit up with a bright smile.
For much of his young life, Olwethu has been reliant on others to move around, but can now enjoy a more independent way of life thanks to a wheelchair donation by the Majuba Rotary Club, and its partner ArcelorMittal.
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In this way, freedom of movement has been given to him.
For the past five years, Olwethu’s mother, Ness has carried him to the creche and back, walking many kilometres and sacrificing her body to ensure her son received a proper education, and was relieved she could finally ‘have a rest’.
She thanked Majuba Rotary and ArcelorMittal, stating her child could finally live his life and have fun with his friends.
Providing a background to the donation, ArcelorMittal’s Joe Nowbath said that during a previous wheelchair handover in Madadadeni Section Seven, they were met by Bonginkosi Msezane, a community caregiver who served the greater Madadeni area.
“She initially informed us of a child in need of a wheelchair. However, upon visiting the child it was noted that a standard wheelchair would not suffice, and a specialised chair was needed. Majuba Rotary indicated it would endeavour to source one for the child.”
Soon after, Msezane informed the partnership of a second child who was also in desperate need of a wheelchair.
“He was the ideal candidate for the new bright and shiny kiddies chair, and his mom was extremely grateful for the gesture, as she can now give her arms a rest after five years of carrying him around.
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There are so many disabled people around this part of town and I knew I had to do something to help.
“This is why I requested help from this organisation, because I knew they could assist a lot of people here.
I look forward to working with them in the near future,” Msezane concluded.
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