NGO gives crash victim mobility

A dynamic young civil engineer is able to drive again after a head-on collision left her partially paralysed.

Thanks to a car adaptation system donated by non-profit organisation Nicky’s Drive, Nomajwarha Sitonga, 27, can drive to work at the Amathole District Municipality’s water services department every day.

Sitonga’s life changed in an instant in April as she and two friends drove from Peddie to East London.

“My friend was driving and I was in the passenger seat when an oncoming car swerved to avoid a donkey and smashed into us,” she said.

She was crushed by the impact and knew immediately her injuries were serious. “I didn’t lose consciousness and felt pain in my lower back and left leg, and my stomach was bleeding. I was losing a lot of blood and struggling to breathe.”

After being rushed to Peddie’s Nompumelelo Hospital, Sitonga was transferred to Frere Hospital in East London. “My lower spine was damaged and after surgery I was paralysed from my waist down.”

During two months in hospital and three at Life St Dominic’s Rehabilitation Hospital, her condition gradually improved and Sitonga now has movement in her legs. Her feet however, lack mobility and she needs crutches to walk.

A new car would have been of little use without Nicky’s Drive, which was founded by former East Londoner Nicky Abdinor.

Abdinor, now a clinical psychologist in Cape Town, was born with no arms and shortened legs, yet beat the odds to graduate with a Masters degree in psychology from Stellenbosch University.

She founded Nicky’s Drive in 2011 after a car adaptation gave her the independence she craved.

“In 2001, a lady with a similar disability to mine in the UK donated her adapted car to me as she was getting a new car. The independence that driving has given me is indescribable,” said Abdinor, adding that car adaptations for people with lower body limitations cost R10000.

“I was inspired to start the organisation as I want other people with disabilities to enjoy the freedom that driving has given me.”

Sitonga’s application impressed her because she was so motivated to regain her independence.

Now back at work, Sitonga said controlling the brakes and accelerator with her right hand had initially been “confusing”, but now she had the hang of it after a few lessons from Disabled People SA.

“I have read about Nicky and would love to meet her. She is amazing and can do anything and I’m very grateful to her. I am determined my legs will get better and that eventually I won’t need the car adaptation anymore. Then I will donate it to someone who does.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za