The donation of automatic wheelchairs and a cranial protector have brought smiles to their recipients.
This is thanks to the disability unit of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, and its Product Development Technology Station (PDTS).
These life-changing items were presented to the recipients, who ranged from adults to students of the university, as well as a primary school learner, on 14 October.
Olebogeng Visagie (10) of the Pholoho Special School received a cranial protector.
CUT students Kesaoleboga Mabuzweni and Tello Mofodi, as well as Chabeli Sothoane from Mokwallo, Vredefort, each received 3-in-1 wheelchairs.
“I can do almost 80% of the things I could not do in the past year,” said Mabuzweni.
“Despite the university still having accessibility challenges, I am glad there have been improvements.”
The wheelchairs are designed with the user’s safety and comfort in mind. Each is fitted with a rechargeable battery.
A chair such as this costs up to R80 000 when the parts are imported from overseas.
“We manufacture all this for only R7 000, and we use bicycle parts,” said Schalk van der Merwe, wheelchair inventor.
“We use these parts to ensure accessibility for the people in our communities.”
Van der Merwe said the university was able to produce 20 wheelchairs, and ten more were expected soon.
Joyce Visagie, Olebogeng’s mother, has expressed her joy about her son’s cranial protector, which alleviates some of their safety concerns.
Olebogeng suffers from a condition that causes him to fall. The cranial protector has been specially designed for the protection of his head.
“I thank God for this,” said Visagie.
“My child will no longer be hurting, and I believe this will protect him way more than before.”
I can do almost 80% of the things I could not do in the past year. – Kesaoleboga
Mabuzweni
