Donating a wheelchair, two beds, repairs to her house, groceries and furniture is a life changing experience for 95-year-old grandma Qamngqa Ntshongweni from Lusikisiki who used to crawl 75 metres to get to her toilet.

The generous donations made by SANRAL’s main contractor Concor- Mota-Engil Joint Venture who is working on the N2WCR Msikaba project, the project engineer’s  SMEC, who facilitated the process, and some local SMMEs also involved with the Msikaba bridge contract, Nase Construction, Restsam Engineering and Gandundu are ensuring a better life for grandma Ntshongweni.

Her plight was identified and highlighted on social media by non-profit organization (NPO) Umanyano Lwabaphulaphuli Initiative.

“She crawls 75 meters to her toilet, her house has major cracks in it and the roof leaks, she also used to sleep on the floor,” said Modi Maqabaza Chief Coordinator for Umanyano Lwabaphulaphuli Initiative non-profit organization.

After being approached by the NPO, Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane then approached SANRAL to assist with donations.

“It is really important to give back to those who are in need. The contributions made by the contractor and local SMMEs have far exceeded my expectations. We are grateful to them for the donations. Their generosity and selflessness are making her life easier,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region’s Regional Manager.

While some donations have already been given to Ntshongweni others will be handed over next year, like a pathway to her toilet suitable for her wheelchair.

Meanwhile she has moved to an adjacent house where she can stay in comfort over the festive season. CMEJV, the main contractor will upgrade her rondavel next year. CMEJV also secured the wheelchair, two beds, groceries and furniture, which include all other household appliances.

“The wheelchair was donated by QuadPara Association South Africa Pinetown Durban. We donated two beds, one for her and the other for her daughter,” said Kim Malherbe secretary at CMEJV.

Other donations include: Nase construction is replacing the damaged doors of the house as well as the windows; Restsam Engineering has offered to assist with electrical work in the house; Gandundu will provide curtains and a 200 litre water storage container. Groceries and furniture including a fridge, a table and chairs are also being donated.