Thohoyandou NGO supports disabled children in Vhembe
Ronewa Mudzanani’s Wheels Life Changer gives wheelchairs to 10 children in Vhembe, helping them access school and sports activities.
LIMPOPO – “Your child with a disability is a gift from God, not a burden and deserves to be seen, loved and included in the family. Hiding children with disabilities out of fear or shame limits their potential and yours. Embrace their unique journey, seek support and celebrate their existence, as they deserve the same opportunities and dignity as any child.”
These are the words of Ronewa Mudzanani, a young disability activist and founder of the non-profit organisation, Wheels Life Changer.
The organisation, based in Hamakhuvha Tshilivho, just outside Thohoyandou, recently donated wheelchairs and walking frames to 10 children and teenagers living with disabilities from communities around the Vhembe District Municipality.
The handover ceremony took place in Maniini village on Friday. Mudzanani (28), who himself lives with a disability, founded Wheels Life Changer in October 2023 after realising that many children from disadvantaged families were unable to attend school because they lacked mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames.
“The mission of our organisation is to ensure that no child living with a disability misses out on education or sports because they lack the necessary support equipment,” he said.
The organisation operates under the motto: “Every child deserves a chance to dream.”
Mudzanani explained that he was diagnosed with scoliosis, an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine caused by cerebral palsy, when he was just one year old.
Despite the challenges, he has achieved significant success in sport.
In 2021, Mudzanani was part of the South African wheelchair tennis team that won a bronze medal at an international tournament in Sardinia.
In 2022, he competed in four major international tournaments in Turkey, showcasing his talent and determination on the global stage.
Mudzanani also encouraged parents raising children with disabilities not to hide them from society.
“Living with a disability is not a curse, and having a child with a disability does not mean that child is unable to succeed,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries’ parents, Thinavhuyo Maphangwa, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it would significantly improve her child’s life.
“For a long time, my child relied on crutches while we were still looking for a wheelchair. I am an unemployed rural woman and I could not afford one.
“Wheels Life Changer has changed my child’s life for the better.
“I urge parents with children living with disabilities not to hide them but to come forward, because there are people and organisations willing to help.”
