WARD Committee member for the disability sector in Qokolweni Administrative area in Mthatha, Lukhanyo Somdaka, urged officials from the Department of Health to continue bringing services to this area.
This followed an outreach that was done by this department where it was assisting people with different problems, including those who are struggling to walk due to different challenges. Some of them received aides such as crutches and wheelchairs.
“I am one of the people who made sure that people who are living with disabilities get this opportunity that was brought by this department. Most of the time it is hard for government to bring these services to the people, especially to those who are living with disabilities,” said Somdaka.
He added that they hope that as time goes on, these kinds of services would always be brought to their localities. He said those who benefited were from different localities under the Qokolweni Administrative Area.
The chieftaincy of this area, Nobanzi Mthwa, said that they were happy because some of the people do not have money to travel long distances in order to get these services.
“This is very important to us because it shows that government cares for us, even though we are in these deep rural areas. It is the first time for us to get such and outreach and we are hoping that they will come back again,” said Mthwa. She added that people who are sick always seek for love, and to be taken care of all the time.
Ward councillor of Qokolweni Village, Councillor Mthunzi Thethi, said they were fortunate because his ward was among the wards that were visited by this department.
“This is a good initiative that left our people smiling,” said Thethi.
One of the beneficiaries, Zameka Momoza (70) from Magomba locality in Mqanduli, said she was struggling due to her ankle that was operated in 2021. She said it was hard for her to move around, but now that she had received a crutch and an ankle support brace it would be better.
“I could not walk long distances and when it is cold my ankle was very painful. I am happy now because I will be able to walk better.”
