Wheelchair brings joy and blessings

“God bless you. Thank you very much.” With this heartfelt blessing, Thabisa Tokhwe, mother of Anita Tokhwe, thanked KAL Group for the life-changing gift they received – a wheelchair for Anita, made possible through the company’s Tops for Wheelchairs campaign in partnership with the Sweethearts Foundation.

Anita, 17, and her mum are from Mbekweni, Paarl. Anita lives with severe physical and mental disabilities. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 12 months old, she is unable to talk or walk.

Anita is the second recipient of a wheelchair donated by KAL Group employees. The custom- designed chair includes a tray table to make mealtimes easier, improving her comfort and providing support to her mother and carer. The donation also included warm winter pyjamas and toiletries – small items that make a big difference to the recipient.

The Tops for Wheelchairs initiative was launched across KAL’s Paarl-based business units. It encourages the collection of plastic bottle tops, which are recycled in exchange for wheelchairs to help those with mobility challenges in the Paarl community. In just a few months, employees collected enough bottle tops to donate a wheelchair to the first beneficiary, Marlene Smith.

“Accessible mobility changes lives. This campaign shows the impact of collective small acts that leave stakeholders better off,” says Taasha Thorne, CSI Officer and project coordinator. “Employees have embraced the project, and seeing Anita’s joy reminds us why we participate.”

As part of the initiative, social workers from the Drakenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities (DAPD), help identify potential beneficiaries. According to DAPD, patients often have to wait years for a wheelchair as the State has a severe shortage.

The initiative also aligns with KAL Group’s sustainability and shared-value goals by encouraging recycling and fostering employee involvement and participation.

“The donation is a reflection of our commitment to being a responsible and caring business,” says Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Director: Corporate Affairs. “By embedding sustainability in the way we serve communities, we create impact that matters – locally and meaningfully.”

Taasha encourages employees to continue the collection of bottle tops. “The beauty of this project is that everyone can help – mom, dad, siblings, grandparents! It’s not just about a wheelchair – it’s about restoring dignity and hope.”