The founder for MB Five, a non-profit organisation (NPO) from Port St Johns, Nomaxabiso Mandleni-Tsawe, is appealing to any Good Samaritan who can assist Ayabonga Nyembeni (17) who cannot even sit up due to a skewed spine condition, by donating a wheelchair.
Mandleni-Tsawe said that she went all over the village, trying to find people who are disabled, last year. She said they were all assessed at Silimela Hospital by an occupational therapist, but unfortunately were unable to get wheelchairs, due to a shortage.
“I made research and found Buddha’s Light International Association on the internet[ they managed to give me three wheelchairs. Unfortunately Ayabonga did not get one. Due to his condition the wheelchair that is needed costs R23 000,” said Mandleni-Tsawe.
“I thank the Port St Johns Municipality because they managed to give this family a temporary structure, as they were living in dilapidated flat that could collapse any time.”
She confirmed that she is getting calls from the people who are promising to assist, but nothing is happening.
“I am appealing to anyone who can help, to do so. I have all the necessary assessment documents from an occupational therapist.”
She said that those who might want to give help can call 064 827 7062.
Ayabonga’s mother, Nokubuya Nyembeni, confirmed that when she is going somewhere she leaves him alone when his siblings are at school.
“I just feed him and change the nappy, and after that I go. I wish he can get a place where he can stay. Before the COVID-19 pandemic started he used to stay in Tsolo, where I was paying R600 per month. Now I did not manage to take him back, because I used his grant to build a one-roomed house for us. Unfortunately, it was also ruined by heavy rains because it was a mud structure,” said Nyembeni.
She said that she is still trying to get some means so that she can take him back.
“The wheelchair can assist a lot, so I can be glad if my son can get help.”
