POLOKWANE – Sello Mamabolo (55) has relied on a disability social grant for nearly eight years following an illness that led to the amputation of his lower limbs, leaving him wheelchair-bound.

The life-altering operation in 2013 forced the father of three, who lives in Seshego Zone 1, into a future with limited socio-economic opportunities and prolonged unemployment.

Mamabolo previously worked as a chef for a fast-food outlet in Mankweng from the late 1990s before being transferred to Polokwane.

He was later retrenched in 2001, which pushed him into a hand-to-mouth lifestyle.

Despite the hardship, Mamabolo used what he earned to sustain his family and even began renovating his home, a project he could not complete due to lack of resources.

He continued appealing for government and private sector assistance until the EFF stepped in.

“Not only have they demolished the old house, they built a new one in seven weeks and dignified my family with what I see as a palace,” he told BONUS, after moving into the house on Sunday during the official handover by party leader Julius Malema.

A tearful and overwhelmed Mamabolo said that, because of the years of struggle, he still finds it hard to believe that the modern house belongs to him.

“It feels like the house my late mother used to work in as a domestic worker, many years before her passing in 2011. I wish she could come and witness this palace, not to work in, but to enjoy its comfort and to wipe her tears,” he said.

Mamabolo expressed appreciation for the party leader, local representatives and the community for their ongoing support.

“The party has shown many of us grace in this township. The elderly, children and those living with disabilities eat sufficiently, dress warmly, and are taken care of in many ways through their efforts. My family is grateful,” he said.