Dalphine Tagwireyi
When hard lockdown hit last year it was a lightbulb moment for Peter Nkosi.
The inventor from Tjakastad in Mpumalanga put his self-taught engineering skills to use and built a three-wheeled motor bike.
Now, he spends time ferrying the elderly to and from their Covid-19 jab in Embuleni hospital. He also stops by at the local clinic to pick up their monthly supply of chronic medications.
“I overheard people discussing that since the relief funds had been stopped it would be difficult to assist their grandparents who were supposed to receive the vaccinations, so I decided to step in and assist them,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
“That’s why I introduced the idea of ferrying them free of charge. Anyone over 60, who needs to visit the hospital or clinic should notify me.”
Nkosi named his vehicle “Covid-19 2020” to remind himself of the toll that the pandemic has taken on people’s lives.
“Covid-19 took away our loved ones and has left us with broken hearts, but I am grateful for the skill I acquired. Calling it Covid-19 2020 is a reminder to the younger generation. It is also a reminder of where my dream started,” he said.
Gogo Zakithi Mavuso and her friend, Johanna Maseko, received the vaccine courtesy of Nkosi.
Gogo Zakithi said it was a happy experience as she had her friend by her side.
“I am grateful for what Nkosi is doing. The journey was quite short and he is such a jovial young man. I urge my peers to engage with him so that we can all keep safe,” she said.
Nkosi has even introduced a new addition to his fleet and has named his transport business Hamba’bey’buza. He normally charges R10 for local trips and R50 for trips to nearby towns.
