The donation of automatic wheelchairs and a cranial protector have brought smiles to their recipients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is thanks to the disability unit of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, and its Product Development Technology Station (PDTS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These life-changing items were presented to the recipients, who ranged from adults to students of the university, as well as a primary school learner, on 14 October. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Olebogeng Visagie (10) of the Pholoho Special School received a cranial protector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
CUT students Kesaoleboga Mabuzweni and Tello Mofodi, as well as Chabeli Sothoane from Mokwallo, Vredefort, each received 3-in-1 wheelchairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can do almost 80% of the things I could not do in the past year,\u201d said Mabuzweni. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDespite the university still having accessibility challenges, I am glad there have been improvements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wheelchairs are designed with the user\u2019s safety and comfort in mind. Each is fitted with a rechargeable battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A chair such as this costs up to R80 000 when the parts are imported from overseas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe manufacture all this for only R7 000, and we use bicycle parts,\u201d said Schalk van der Merwe, wheelchair inventor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe use these parts to ensure accessibility for the people in our communities.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Van der Merwe said the university was able to produce 20 wheelchairs, and ten more were expected soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joyce Visagie, Olebogeng\u2019s mother, has expressed her joy about her son\u2019s cranial protector, which alleviates some of their safety concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Olebogeng suffers from a condition that causes him to fall. The cranial protector has been specially designed for the protection of his head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI thank God for this,\u201d said Visagie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy child will no longer be hurting, and I believe this will protect him way more than before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can do almost 80% of the things I could not do in the past year. \u2013 Kesaoleboga <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mabuzweni <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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