Thuthukani Special School receives wheelchair donation to support disabled pupils

Thuthukani Special School on Friday received a generous gift of nine wheelchairs for its pupils, thanks to the Rotary Club of Richards Bay.

The wheelchairs were donated to the club by an American foundation, Chair the Hope, and each wheelchair is valued at
R3 500.

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This support helps children who need one wheelchair at home and one at school, as public transport does not accommodate wheelchairs and charges for an extra passenger.

“Some children are also outgrowing their wheelchairs, or theirs are broken, while there are others on our waiting list [of 300] who we can also assist,” said Thuthukani principal Marthie Combrinck.

“They lie in bed the whole day. They can’t get out or play over the weekend with their friends, so this gives them that freedom,” she said.

The school’s occupational therapists will also make waterproof cushions tailored to each child’s posture.

Appeal for sponsors

Corporates are encouraged to join Thuthukani’s Sponsor-a-Child programme, where donations help cover school fees of R300 per child per month for 11 months.

In 2024, only 36% of parents were able to pay school fees, with most pupils from poor socio-economic backgrounds.

They also have a Sponsor-a-Volunteer programme of R1 200 per month for the amazing volunteers who assist the children.

To assist Thuthukani with donations, their bank details are:

Thuthukani Special School
ABSA – Empangeni
Cheque Account
Branch Code: 334 130
EFT Code 632 005
Account Number:
4044 335 087
SWIFT Code: ABSAZAJJ
Use ‘Sponsor’ and your surname/company name as a reference.

The school is a registered PBO, therefore any donation receives a Section 18A certificate and can be added to BBBEE audit requirements.

Contact principal@Thuthukani.org.za or call 035 7920080.

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