Disabled resident reaches out to another

The life of a disabled Grade 8 learner became a whole lot easier when another wheelchair-bound man donated a wheelchair to her.

Gosego Sakhakhu, a learner at Lukhanyo High School in Mohlakeng, was using crutches to move around while she was in fact in dire need of a wheelchair.

Philly Maake, who grew up in Mohlakeng, said that Calfred Mohlla contacted him about a learner in need. As he is also in a wheelchair, he went out of his way to help Gosego and donated an electronic wheelchair to her.

“We want to thank Philly as well as the Nathane Foundation who helped with this donation. It will make a big difference in her life and will have a great impact on her education. She could not concentrate as she was in constant pain. Another learner had to assist her in the bathroom. Life will be much easier for her now,” said Itumeleng Mokoka, principal of the school, during the handover on 24 May.

Strike Mabuza, the chairperson of the school governing body, also gave his thanks to the generous donors. Community members, teachers and family of Gosego were present during the emotional handover.

As soon as Gosego received the wheelchair, she took it out for a spin on the school grounds with a big smile.

“A lot of people ask why we allow disabled children in our school as we are not a school for disabled children, but the infrastructure of the school accommodates wheelchairs. Today, we helped Gosego to feel like a normal school learner,” Itumuleng added.