LIHLE CARE CENTRE PLEAD FOR HELP FROM GOOD SAMARITANS
By Thulane Madalane
Gankwana: Lihle Care Centre is a sanctuary for persons living with disabilities in Gankwana Village in the area of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality in Sekhukhune District. The centre is the initiative of Ms Maria Lesufi, Lesufi is the mother of Langelihle( now 8 years)who born was with Cerebral Palsy Condition. Precious Moshopiadi Mogajane a Physiotherapist at one of the regional hospitals in Limpopo explain cerebral palsy as a disorder of muscle control which results from some damage to part of the brain. The term cerebral palsy is used when the problem has occurred early in life, to the developing brain, “ Well ‘Cerebral palsy’ refers to a permanent condition, and the problems associated with this condition (such as muscle weakness or stiffness, and unwanted movements) remain throughout the lifetime of a person with cerebral palsy. However, children can learn to cope with the condition as they grow. Treatment often brings about improvement, though not a cure.” explained Mogajane.
Lesufi was ecstatic by the visit from the Executive Mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality Cllr Minah Bahula and Cllr Eddie Maila the Mayor of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality to the centre as part of disability awareness month, “ I am extremely grateful and excited by the visit of both the Executive Mayor of our District Cllr Minah Bahula and her local counterpart Cllr Eddie Maila. Our children got an early Christmas because our Mayors lavished them with gifts and it’s my belief that this is the beginning of great things to come for our centre which we started 18 months ago” said Lesufi. Lesufi says the centre account for 8 children between the age of 0 to 18, “ currently our centre accommodate 8 children living with disabilities and next year we hope to increase our intake by 15. We plead with all good Samaritans out there to assist us with building a proper structure that will be a permanent home for our children” quipped Lesufi.
Sekhukhune District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Minah Bahula accentuated government’s commitment in relieving the plight of persons living with disabilities, “ Government has been channelling resources towards centres that cater for persons with disabilities, hence a portfolio committee for women, children and people living with disabilities led by MMC Nkosi Sbongile, is established in the district to drive the same agenda of empowerment and equity, by protecting their rights and ensure that all have access to opportunities in government. All we need to do now, is to double our efforts to ensure that our families with people that needs special care, are indeed taken care of, and also to ensure they are fully integrated into all facets of society and in government ”. added Bahula. Bahula want the disabilities centres in Sekhukhune District to adopt a common approach which will make it easier for government to bring much needed interventions and assistance in the future.
