This comes after the Department received a request for wheelchairs from the Chairperson of disability centre in Joe Gqabi, Neo Mathwa. “This is a dream come true for the disabled sector in Joe Gqabi. Most often disabled people are always left behind as if they are forgotten, but in this instance the Department of Transport answered our plea with pleasure and for that we are grateful,” said the excited Mathwa.

Weighing in on the request, Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe said, “Department of Transport regards wheelchairs as a non-motorise transport hence we couldn’t miss this opportunity of providing wheelchairs when we received the request. We believe that since the people living with disabilities cannot use their own legs as transportation we had to provide wheelchairs for them”.

Expressing her delight, a Mother of a disabled daughter, Nonkululelo Sibi said that, she is very happy that her daughter has received a new wheelchair. “A child with a special need requires a lot of attention and money, I am happy that my child is one of the beneficiaries, this wheelchair will make both our lives easier as I have been longing for a new wheelchair for her but couldn’t afford it”.

According to the Projects Manager, Mr Mkhuseli Vuso, the Department Of Transport spent R240 000 on this Project as it saw a need to make an intervention to increase mobility for people with disability through non-motorise transport.