Lafras Moolman, a 39-year-old man living with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, has captured the hearts of many in Gqeberha, through his resilience and unwavering faith.
Since November 2020, Moolman has been a resident at Cheshire Home, where the dedicated staff members attend to his daily needs, ensuring his comfort and well-being.
Despite his physical challenges, he is an individual of remarkable talent and aspirations.
Having attended Cape Recife High School, Moolman developed an appreciation for radio broadcasts and music. His passion for sound engineering led him to pursue studies at Intec College from 2012 to 2013.
More recently, Moolman received a job offer at a local radio station, a testament to his skills and dedication. However, accessibility barriers at the broadcasting building prevented him from seizing this opportunity, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing employment opportunities.
Undeterred, Moolman channels his love for broadcasting into hosting a weekly WhatsApp broadcast, where he shares the gospel with listeners across various communities, including Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha. With over 120 avid listeners tuning in each week, his messages of faith and hope resonate far and wide.
Additionally, he has been an active member of the Evangelism Explosion group, spreading the gospel to Grade 6 learners at Northern Lights Special School, from 2016 to 2019.
Moolman relies entirely on a custom-fitted, heavy-duty, motorised wheelchair for his mobility and broadcasting endeavours.
This wheelchair, equipped with advanced seating and postural devices, has been instrumental in enabling him to lead a fulfilling life. However, after over a decade of faithful service, his wheelchair is now in need of replacement. Despite diligent maintenance, the wheelchair has exceeded its lifespan, necessitating urgent intervention.
Moolman is currently covered under his family’s medical aid, which provides an annual allocation towards medical devices. However, the cost of replacing his wheelchair, backrest, pressure-care cushion, and positioning accessories, exceeds the available funds.
Furthermore, while medical aid benefits cover wheelchair replacements every five years, they do not extend to essential components such as pressure care cushions and accessories.
Recognising the critical role that a new wheelchair plays in Moolman’s independence and well-being, his friend, René Scholtz, from Christiaan du Toit & Associates Inc, a provider of orthotic and prosthetic services in Gqeberha, is leading the charge, leveraging her expertise to advocate for Moolman’s needs.
Scholtz asks everyone who is able, to help procure a new custom-fitted heavy-duty wheelchair, ensuring that Moolman can continue living life to the fullest.
“I have known Lafras as a friend and client since my early career days. All contributions towards his wheelchair replacement will be allocated towards acquiring the necessary equipment and accessories. Itemised quotations and supporting documents are available upon request, underscoring the transparency and accountability of this initiative,” she added.
For further information, or to contribute to Moolman’s wheelchair replacement fund, send an email to renescholtz12@gmail.com
