GQEBERHA – From an appeal for help on social media to a Back-a-Buddy campaign to raise funds for a motorised wheelchair, a heartfelt wish has become a reality for Sandile Msizi.

The PE Express first reported on Msizi’s need for a motorised wheelchair on 12 August, after he appealed for help with the challenges he faced carrying out everyday tasks such as shopping for food and running errands.

The wheels were set in motion when Simone Jucker, who met Msizi through the Walmer Methodist Church community many years ago, saw the appeal on social media and decided to get involved.

“It must have been around high school, many years ago, that Sandile was part of our church,” Jucker shared. “He used to live in Walmer township and has since moved to Motherwell.”

Although it had been years since they were in touch, Jucker said Msizi was remembered as a happy person who radiated joy.

“I remembered him as the happiest, most wonderful person.”

She continued: “I saw the social media post, shared it, and then friends from Walmer Methodist days were like, ‘How can we help?’”

After reaching out to Msizi, Jucker said he asked for assistance in raising funds.

“It was this whole group effort, and I’m just so happy for him that everything has come together so quickly and it’s literally going to change his life.”

Community rallies behind Msizi

A Back-a-Buddy campaign was launched with a target of R35,000.

Reflecting on the community effort, Jucker added, “I think it’s heartwarming; thanks to everyone who assisted. He really battles with his one arm, so this is going to be life-changing for him.”

PE Express reader, Barry Allen, whose daughter has a disability and attends Aurora Special School, was also moved to help after reading about Msizi’s situation.

“When I read your article, I assumed that I could organise a wheelchair for him, not necessarily a motorised one but a manual one. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any luck, so I thought I would do it myself.”

Allen had never met Msizi but said he was moved to help after reading about his situation.

“My daughter is disabled, and you just realise how unfriendly the world is. We’re not a disabled-friendly country, and it is a big challenge,” he shared. “I harassed my friends and everyone I knew who had money, and we got here somehow.”

Fundraising target exceeded

A number of the donations were made anonymously.

“My daughter has a motorised wheelchair, so I’m looking forward to Sandile having his wheelchair and I hope it makes a big difference to him.”

The fundraising target was exceeded, with R35,400 raised towards Msizi’s new wheelchair.

By Monday, 21 September, the PE Express joined Msizi, Jucker and Allen at CE Mobility to collect the new motorised wheelchair.

“I suppose it is that starfish story of: ‘What can I do?’ Just start with one. I think that is the biggest thing. Start with changing one person’s life. That is amazing,” said Jucker.

Msizi was excited to receive his life-changing motorised wheelchair.

“I want to thank everyone who helped me. I’m so happy,” he exclaimed.

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