East NPO caring for people with severe disabilities needs help with funds

A social relief initiative, which started with a family coping with a son living with disabilities, has grown into an organisation that cares for 160 adults with severe and profound disabilities in the east of Pretoria.

The Kungwini Welfare Organisation was founded in 1983 when Paul Jungnickel Home was opened and is situated in Graham Road, Zwavelpoort.

The non-profit organisation offers medical care and residence to about 160 people aged 18 to over 80 living with different kinds of disabilities.

Marketing manager Manuela Loubser said the centre was facing challenges of not receiving enough funding.

“We have a couple of projects that need to be built, but without funds, we cannot accomplish our goals,” Loubser said.

Loubser said community residents could assist with providing building materials such as bricks, cement and paint.

“Our organisation has been around since 1983, so all the building’s walls, window frames, skirting, ceilings, and door frames need to be repainted. Lilliput sewerage septic tank needs to be upgraded.

“Before there were only 40 people, we now have over 800 people including beneficiaries, outsource company, visitors, volunteers, staff, and contractors,” she said.

“We urgently need assistance for someone to help cut our veld grass. We need a heavy-duty grass cutter, as there are stones and some rocks in the veld. If we can get assistance once a month or once every second month it would be very helpful.

“It is a very high-risk area as our staff nurses and staff walk down that pathway.”

Loubser said the organisation also needed assistance with cleaning the soccer field at Boschkop plot 103 so it can be used to used by children in the community.

“We have social workers working in the designated area of Pretoria east. They go out to different rural areas and identify problems such as abuse cases, foster care, children’s court, disaster assistance and community projects.”

Loubser said the organisation aimed at improving the quality of life of vulnerable people.

“Our vision is to every day make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities so they can feel they are in a safe homely environment where they know they will always be looked after with caring staff, caretakers, and receive the medical attention they need.”

Loubser said the organisation receives 55% of its funding from the Department of Health, the other 45% through private companies and residents.

“It costs the organisation over R800 000 including operational costs, maintenance, and looking after 23 non-payer residents to cover all their boarding and lodging costs.”

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