Wheelchair ace for tennis star Ronewa Mudzanani

LIMPOPO – International wheelchair tennis player Ronewa Mudzanani was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age, and knows how difficult it is growing up with a disability.

Based on his personal experiences, the 26-year-old wheelchair tennis player from Vhurivhuri village in Vhembe district saw the need for an organisation that would cater to the needs of the disabled.

With the help of a few friends, he formed Wheels Life Changer that was officially launched at Makhuvha Tshilivho recently.

Already, in commemoration of Disability Month, the organisation is making its presence felt in the community.

On November 6, they visited the Ratsiku family at Hamaila outside Louis Trichardt where they handed over a wheelchair to seven-year-old Rotondwa Ratsiku.

About his new role of assisting other disabled people, the international tennis player said it had not been easy for him growing up as a disabled person.

“Cerebral palsy affected my spine and as a young boy, growing up with a disability was not easy.

“No one thought it would be possible for me to go to school but fortunately my mom took me to a boarding school at the age of five.

“All I want to do now is to help kids who are living with disabilities by making sure that none of them are sitting at home with nothing to do while they are at school. I have been through a lot growing up with a disability and I do not want them to walk the same path I walked. They deserve the best care.”

Mudzanani, who is a motivation to many, inspires others through his commitment and achievements in the realm of wheelchair tennis and indicated that they have many plans to improve their communities.

“As an organisation, we aim to help youths accomplish their dreams by making sure that they are in schools with the right aides including wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames, pads and school shoes.

“No child must stay out of school because they don’t have the basics,” he said.

For more information and assistance, contact Wheels Life Changer or Mudzanani at 060 7449 089 or send an e-mail to wheelslifechanger@gmail.com.