By Ndumiso Tshuma
Thenjiwe Zikhali, a 70-year-old woman who resides in Old Luveve, Bulawayo, is facing mobility challenges due to knee issues and has been confined to a wheelchair since 2019, following a fateful day when her legs gave out while working in the fields.
However, the deterioration of her current wheelchair has left her unable to perform basic tasks on her own.
“I used to work in the fields because there is a field right next to our home that we use to grow crops. One day in 2019, while I was ploughing, my knees and legs became so painful that I felt I couldn’t walk anymore, and that’s when I started using a wheelchair,” said Zikhali.
Zikhali initially tried using crutches and a walking stick, but her legs grew weaker, leaving her with no option but to rely on a wheelchair.
“Unfortunately, the wheelchair I received was not durable, and eventually, the wheels deteriorated and broke. I went to the doctor for a check-up, but the amount they requested for payment was more than I could afford, as I am currently unemployed,” said Zikhali.
Despite the assistance of her son, who helps her with daily tasks, Zikhali noted that there are some tasks he cannot do for her, which require assistance from either a woman or herself if she has a functioning wheelchair.
“I live with my son, who helps me here and there, but there are some tasks that he cannot fully assist me with, which require a woman’s presence or even my own if I had a functioning wheelchair. I used to stay with my daughter, who really helped me, but she has left, so now it’s just me and my son. If I had a wheelchair, I could at least do some things for myself, but in the meantime, I basically sit on a regular chair all day because I can’t move my legs anymore. So, I am kindly asking for assistance with a new wheelchair because, right now, I am unemployed and cannot afford one myself,” said Zikhali.
Anyone willing to assist Thenjiwe Zikhali can contact her at 0775855608.
