The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Soshanguve has donated five wheelchairs to residents of Ward 4 in Pretoria North as part of an ongoing initiative to support people living with disabilities and mobility challenges.

The beneficiaries were identified as residents with mobility needs, with SANCO saying the initiative aims to assist people often confined to their homes to regain a measure of independence and participate more fully in everyday life.

Patricia Mokwala, SANCO Soshanguve Zone representative, said the initiative was driven by the needs raised within communities.

“We believe that community organisations must respond directly to the challenges affecting residents and help restore dignity, mobility and independence.”

According to SANCO, community structures and assessments identified beneficiaries and determined which residents needed mobility assistance.

SANCO Tshwane chairperson Fire Mashao funded and donated five wheelchairs, while the civic organisation structures from different branches played a co-ordinating and facilitating role by identifying needs, engaging stakeholders and ensuring that the assistance reached beneficiaries.

Although the latest donation focuses on Ward 4, SANCO said its wheelchair drive has already reached residents in several other Soshanguve wards, including 25, 27, 33, 34 and 89.

Ward 4 includes areas such as Akasia, The Orchards, Amandasig Ext 2 and Karen Park Ext 21, 46, 48 and 50.

SANCO said residents living with disabilities continue to face challenges accessing suitable mobility aids, healthcare, education, employment and community activities.

In some cases, people cannot leave their homes because they lack appropriate wheelchairs.

Mokwala said the impact of the donations goes beyond simply providing equipment.

“A wheelchair can significantly improve a person’s independence and ability to move around, access services, attend school or work, participate in community activities and interact with family and society. Most importantly, it restores a measure of dignity and freedom,” the representative said.

The organisation hopes to make the initiative an ongoing programme, with plans to engage businesses, NGOs, NPOs, organisations and individuals to help reach more people.

Mokwala added that the need extends beyond Soshanguve, with the initiative also being extended to areas including Hammanskraal, Atteridgeville and Metsweding.

“The need is much greater than what one organisation can address alone. Every wheelchair, mobility aid or contribution can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”

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