Tinaani Nyabereka
MIDLANDS – Gweru based disability Advocate, Nigel Tahwa who was appealing for financial assistance to get a new wheelchair is now a proud owner of a brand new wheelchair bought using some cash that was donated by well-wishers in Gweru.
The intervention came following a story that was published by TellZim News this week where Tahwa was appealing for assistance.
Tahwa who was born with the condition called cerebral palsy was currently facing mobility challenges as his old wheelchair was worn out and no longer conducive for him to travel around.
Representatives from three political parties, namely the MDC T’s aspiring candidate for Gweru Urban, Brain Dube, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) aspiring candidate for Gweru Urban, Josiah Makombe and Zanu PF aspiring candidate for Gweru Urban, Alex Mukwembi among other were the first responders.
Speaking during the handover ceremony that was organised Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) GRRA director, Conilia Selipiwe said, coming together of GRRA and other stakeholders to assist Nigel came at an appropriate time as it shows peace and unity of purpose among political players in Gweru.
“We are here to handover a new wheelchair to Nigel, after having received an appeal from him through the media. We saw it fit to bring the community together and contribute and what makes us happy is that we saw our politicians coming on board to give a hand,”
“Contributions were made by the MDC – T, CCC and ZANU PF candidates. This shows the level of unity which prevails among our political parties in Gweru.
“Nigel is our child therefore there was a common understanding to then come to his rescue as he was struggling to move” he added.
Thandiwe Kambara who was representing Zanu PF’s Mukwembi said they were moved by Tahwa’s situation and basing on their party’s “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” mantra, they saw it prudent to give a helping hand.
“On behalf of the Zanu PF Gweru Urban Aspiring candidate, Alex Mukwembi we said it was important for us to build into Nigel’s life as the nation is built by its own. That’s why you see us here , we have decided to build on Nigel’s welfare so that he can move well and be able to access his polling station on voting day without any challenge.” she added.
Albert Chadoka who was representing MDC T’s Brian Dube said as his party’s slogan says “Chinja maitiro” Nigel’s welfare was at their heart as they also chipped in to change the way he was travelling.
CCC Representative Doubt Ncube who was representing Josiah Makombe said the gesture was supposed not end with Tahwa but continue to all those in need.
The contributions made amounted to US$435 and the wheelchair was bought at a cost of US$285.
