By Doreen Mokgolo
Mandla Mabuza dreaded going to the outside toilet of his family home in KwaThema – particularly on rainy days because it was such a painful and difficult ordeal.
“I would get soaked in the rain trying to get off the wheelchair, crawl to the toilet and get on the toilet seat,” said 50-year-old Mabuza, who was born with cerebral palsy and relies on a donated electric wheelchair to get around.
Now a group of men from the Kutlwano Social Organisation (Kuso) in KwaThema, Ekurhuleni, have transformed Mabuza’s life by installing a paraplegic bathroom on his property that he can easily access.
In the 31 years he has lived in his family’s house, Mabuza has struggled to use the bathroom because it is not big enough to accommodate him and his wheelchair and has no handles to help him maintain his balance.
Kuso was formed 33 years ago by community-minded men to promote development in the area.
Mabuza approached the group to ask if they could provide funds to get his electric wheelchair serviced.
He told Scrolla.Africa that when Kuso visited his home they identified his struggle as the difficulties he had in using the outside toilet.
“Kuso’s efforts and love for the community of Kwa-Thema have made my life and challenges bearable – they have restored my dignity. I now have one less thing to worry about in my daily struggles,” Mabuza said.
During the handover on Saturday, Kuso chairperson Dali Mofokeng said the group is committed to improving the lives of people living with disabilities.
“We are encouraging businesses to join us in this journey to help others. It doesn’t help to complain when we are also in a position to make a difference, no matter how small,” he said.
Pictured above: Mandla Mabuza with members of Kuso.
Image source: Supplied
