MIDDELBURG — On Sunday, 15 March 2026, the Touch of Life Foundation donated its first two wheelchairs to beneficiaries

in Middelburg and surrounding communities, aiming to restore independence and dignity to people living with mobility

challenges.

The foundation, co-founded four years ago by Dr Zamokuhle Ngozo, Stanley Maseko, and Freddy Mabulane, began as a personal

calling to help others and has grown into a community-driven initiative.

Ngozo said his experience with SASSA, conducting home visits for disability grant registrations, inspired the mobility project.

“I met many people without wheelchairs or using broken ones. One client even offered to sacrifice her grant just to get a

wheelchair so she could visit the Middelburg Mall,” he said.

The wheelchairs were delivered directly to the beneficiaries’ home, and Ngozo said recipients immediately felt the impact.

“One family said they would take their loved one to the clinic the next day without worrying about transport costs. Another said

the wheelchair would allow their family members to attend church again,” Ngozo said.

He added that improved mobility allows people to participate in everyday activities often taken for granted.

Alfred Magagula from Mhluzi Ext 2, a wheelchair recipient, said the donation relieved months of struggle. He had to hire cars to

reach the clinic at high cost.

“I will be able to go to the clinic and the shop by myself,” he said.

The foundation has previously supported the community through food parcel distributions, school shoes donations, fun walks and

soccer tournaments in Mhluzi and Belfast.

Although the project is still in its early stages, the foundation aims to donate more than 10 wheelchairs this year, expanding to

Mhluzi in Middelburg and Siyathuthuka in Belfast.

The organisation works closely with a social worker and community partners, including local pageant representatives, to identify

and support deserving beneficiaries. Ngozo said the foundation faces ongoing financial constraints and relies on private donors,

friends, and internal contributions.

“We have an open-door policy and pride ourselves on transparency. We encourage individuals and businesses to support our

work so we can reach more people,” he said.

Angelina Mndebele, 2026 Toddler and Tween of the World finalist, praised the foundation’s initiative, saying it brings hope and

freedom.

She added: “We should support and include everyone. Kindness makes the world happier.”

Mndebele thanked the foundation for its efforts and expressed hope for a future where more people receive the support they need.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand its programmes to include school uniforms, vocational training for people with

disabilities, accessible healthcare initiatives, and inclusive sports and arts programmes.

Ngozo said the project is deeply personal.

“We want to touch as many lives as possible and make a real difference in our community,” he said. He also called on the public

to treat people with disabilities with dignity and actively engage with them.