“Joy” and “inspiration” were the key words used by pupils at Vukuhambe Special School when they were handed 10 wheelchairs by Airport Company South Africa (Acsa) yesterday.
Acsa officials also handed over eight tennis wheelchairs and two electronic wheelchairs custom-made for Grade 2 pupil Abenathi Zuzani and Masixole Rawuka, who is in Grade 6.
Michelle Perks, a physiotherapist who volunteers at the school three times a week, said the two pupils, who both suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, were in desperate need of the wheelchairs.
“All muscles in their bodies weaken gradually over time so they cannot walk or push their own wheelchair.”
Acsa’s social economic development champion, Brenda Fortein said they had also delivered a wheelchair to Frere Hospital and another to Parklands Special School.
“The school approached us and requested tennis wheelchairs because at the moment the sport is played at a more mature age and now they want to introduce it at a younger age, but lacked suitable tennis wheelchairs.”
Coach and teacher, Nomvuyo Vellem, said: “We have been producing many professional wheelchair tennis players.”
Vellem said the school prides itself in pupils Ezanathi Nxabani, Zimasa Willie and Luyolo Yako, who are national tennis players. Matric pupil Zimasa Willie said she had earned money by winning tournaments.
“I started playing in 2012, and the game has opened my mind to a world of opportunities and the money I get from it helps me support myself so I can look pretty, like the other children.”
District office education development officer Phumla Jola, said the department could not always cater for the needs of the children.
“It’s wonderful to have other stakeholders get involved because sometimes the department cannot supply and wheelchairs are expensive.
Jola said Acsa had given life to the pupils by helping them gain their independence, and thus restoring their dignity. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Acsa rolls out some joy with wheelchairs
Acsa officials also handed over eight tennis wheelchairs and two electronic wheelchairs custom-made for Grade 2 pupil Abenathi Zuzani and Masixole Rawuka, who is in Grade 6.
Michelle Perks, a physiotherapist who volunteers at the school three times a week, said the two pupils, who both suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, were in desperate need of the wheelchairs.
“All muscles in their bodies weaken gradually over time so they cannot walk or push their own wheelchair.”
Acsa’s social economic development champion, Brenda Fortein said they had also delivered a wheelchair to Frere Hospital and another to Parklands Special School.
“The school approached us and requested tennis wheelchairs because at the moment the sport is played at a more mature age and now they want to introduce it at a younger age, but lacked suitable tennis wheelchairs.”
Coach and teacher, Nomvuyo Vellem, said: “We have been producing many professional wheelchair tennis players.”
Vellem said the school prides itself in pupils Ezanathi Nxabani, Zimasa Willie and Luyolo Yako, who are national tennis players. Matric pupil Zimasa Willie said she had earned money by winning tournaments.
“I started playing in 2012, and the game has opened my mind to a world of opportunities and the money I get from it helps me support myself so I can look pretty, like the other children.”
District office education development officer Phumla Jola, said the department could not always cater for the needs of the children.
“It’s wonderful to have other stakeholders get involved because sometimes the department cannot supply and wheelchairs are expensive.
Jola said Acsa had given life to the pupils by helping them gain their independence, and thus restoring their dignity. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
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