Calls to do good for the less fortunate and the disabled reverberated through the walls of Eluxolweni community hall, in New Crossroads, on Thursday June 7, when Mayor Patricia de Lille visited the people of Gugulethu and Nyanga.
She also handed out 10 wheelchairs, 20 walkers, 10 commodes and other essential items to the needy. Beneficiaries included senior citizens and residents with disabilities, many of whom are bedridden. .
Addressing the residents, Ms De Lille said the donation would go a long way in helping them.
She said she visited the area after numerous calls by Ward 38 councillor, Luvuyo Zondani, and disabled people’s organisations.
She encouraged people to spend their time contributing towards the development of their communities.
“As leaders, we should not tell people what to do, we must show people what we can do together,” she said. “We, the abled-bodied people, take things for granted. I was once in an accident and I know how it feels to be in a wheelchair. That changed my thinking. We need to put our actions together and lead by example.”
Ms De Lille said donating the equipment was also in line with the City’s Integrated Development Plan to ensure that people with disabilities moved without hindrance. “People with disabilities are most of the times overlooked. But this little token will help them move around. This will bring a sense of belonging and pride in them,” she said.
Ms De Lille paid tribute to Mr Zondani, praising him for his work in the community and for identifying people’s needs.
. Mr Zondani said he partnered with the South African Christian Leadership Assembly (SACLA) Health Project to organise the event. SACLA provides care for sickly people and the elderly who are not able to wash themselves.
SACLA visits patients at their homes and ensure they take their medication daily.
One of the beneficiaries, Nondumiso Wowo, described immobility as a challenge and a burden to many disabled people.
Another beneficiary, Jennifer Dlikidla, was grateful for the donation, she said what she needed was a house. “I want to get a house so that my child can live with me again,”she said.
Ms Dlikidla said the wheelchair would help her to move around with ease.
Ms De Lille told residents that the City had made available nearly R3 billion to provide rates rebates and indigent relief to qualifying residents.