With one of its only two vehicles deemed a non-runner and facing spiraling running and maintenance costs for the other, the Pinetown-based KwaZulu-Natal Cerebral Palsy Association was confronted with a major transport issue, until the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently came to its rescue with a new 22-seater vehicle, valued at R1 130 000.
Some 26 disabled children and young adults and 17 staff members are dependent on daily transport to and from the Association’s center, which caters to the needs of the cerebral palsied and learning disabled, promoting their integration within the community.
Commenting, SAMCT representative Mr. Gaff Osman said: “Safe, efficient, effective, and comfortable transport is essential for people with disabilities and their caregivers. This was something the KwaZulu-Natal Cerebral Palsy Association was battling to maintain. Reduced to using a single seven-seater vehicle when its 16-seater became inoperative put a strain on its ability to transport its members and staff in any degree of comfort, and also resulted in a massive increase in running and maintenance costs.”
Established in 1969, the KwaZulu-Natal Cerebral Palsy Association is a non-profit organization that strives to enhance the welfare and functional independence of the cerebral palsied. It is not subsidized by the Government, relying solely on generous donations from the public and its own fundraising endeavors.
“Upon learning of the Association’s transportation issue, the SAMCT was pleased to assist with the provision of a new, appropriately-sized, fuel-efficient vehicle, thus ensuring the safety and comfort of users, while simultaneously significantly reducing running costs,” Mr. Osman said.
The newly-acquired vehicle has transformed the Association’s transport program.
He added: “Given the nature of the disabilities of members, it is imperative that, together with the driver, at least one caregiver is present during any trip. This necessitated the provision of a larger vehicle, which has the added benefit of facilitating easier access and exit.”
“Importantly, too, the transport upgrade will play a key role in the Association’s ability to accommodate more children as its services expand and grow.”
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank for the creation, marketing, and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organization provides funding, services, and other resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived, and disadvantaged. It has been singularly successful in delivering sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa, irrespective of race or religion, and continues to work to support needy organizations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation, and education.
Mr. Osman stressed: “The KwaZulu-Natal Cerebral Palsy Association does sterling work with those with disabilities in this province and deserves to be supported. It actively promotes an understanding of different disabilities and how society might assist with community integration of people living with disabilities.”
“It sets out to help the community understand the rights of individuals affected by disabilities and strives to promote the integration of individuals with disabilities within the community by encouraging the breakdown of barriers preventing the social inclusivity of the disabled. Accordingly, the SAMCT is privileged to have been able to partner with such a laudable organization through our vehicle donation, a benefit which will last well into the future, allowing the organization to help many more cerebral palsy people going forward.”
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For more information about the SAMCT or its vehicle donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za