Kwa-Thema – A 17-year-old girl living with a disability in Tornado has been relying on an outdated wheelchair and has recently been provided a new one courtesy of the Springs Rotary Anns Club.
Mbali Buthelezi was diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis. Her mother, Ayanda Buthelezi, says that her daughter’s capabilities are limited.
“She can talk a bit, her one hand does work but not so much. She does not go to school and I’m mostly responsible for bathing and feeding her,” she said.
The old wheelchair had a few problems where the seat was torn, including the armrest, and the footplate was broken which led to Mbali’s legs hanging uncomfortably.
Her mother added that the backrest was also problematic.
Mbali Buthelezi in her old wheelchair. Photocredit: Thulane Simelane
“She’s heavy so using the wheelchair was becoming uncomfortable because her back was usually not well-balanced,” Ayanda said.
After getting the wheelchair, Mbali’s mother shared how delighted her daughter was with her new chair, noting that she continually reminded her mom about it.
Considering Mbali’s condition and having to be pushed or carried around the house, it is a struggle for her mom to move her around their home.
“We have to move things in order to move her within the house and it is difficult because our home is not disability-friendly,” she said.
Ayanda has some challenges that she faces and concerns that worry her about her daughter.
“Because I take care of her 24/7, I worry that if I die she might not have anyone else to look after her, and because she’s heavy I tend to have back pains and have to ask my other daughter to assist me,” she said.
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