A Taiwanese humanitarian organisation, the Buddha’s Light International Association, in partnership with the provincial Department of Community Safety and Khulisa Youth Development Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), have donated mobility devices to the elderly and people living with disabilities under the Mbhashe Local Municipality.
The donated items included nine pairs of crutches, 28 wheelchairs and 16 walkers, to beneficiaries from various wards of the local municipality.
The official handover of the items was held at Bangiso Community Hall in Bomela Administrative Area, Idutywa, on November 23.
The municipality said that the donation formed part of their programmes to observe National Disability Awareness Month, which runs from November 3 to December 3 annually.
Chung Chin from the Taiwanese humanitarian organisation, said,
Mbhashe Local Municipality executive mayor, Samkelo Janda, said that the donation was proof of the importance of co-operative governance, where government was working hand-in-hand with the private sector and non-governmental organisations.
“As the government we cannot address every challenge alone; hence we need the assistance of the private sector and non-governmental organisations. We are also happy, because the donation helps us respond positively to those issues raised by people with disabilities during our integrated development plan forums,” said Janda.
He further said that the donation was part of the municipality’s initiatives to prioritise people with disabilities through its destitute and vulnerable groups programmes, including the elderly, child-headed households, and military veterans, which seek to provide decent and conducive quality homes with basic services.
Beneficiary, Willart Bambiso, who received a walker from the donation, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of all the beneficiaries, and appealed to those who did not benefit to remain positive and not lose faith of getting a mobility device one day.
