ZDDT assists visually impaired in Bulawayo's oldest township
BULAWAYO – During a recent presentation ceremony involving tape aids for the visually impaired, ZDDT had an excellent opportunity to demonstrate its role in linking the needy from local communities with vital stake-holders within the principles of the Sebenzela programme. In this initiative, Cllr Sithole and his CAT, compiled a list of potential beneficiaries making use of data from the community mapping process.
In a colourful event held at its Suburbs office, a ten minute walk from Bulawayo’s CBD, the Trust hosted representatives from the Bulawayo Rotary Club, Professional Clearing (Pvt) Ltd., and visually impaired members from Ward Seven in the city’s oldest and poorest Township of Makokoba.
As is customary at such functions, Simon Spooner, ZDDT’s National Development officer, (NDO) officiated. Opening proceedings by welcoming guests, Mr. Spooner traced the often challenging route which culminated in the successful hand-over of the equipment to beneficiaries. He spelt out the role played by the Trust in this initiative, rounding-off the discourse with an explanation of the Organisation’s core activities which focus upon Community restoration. Mr. Spooner drew the gathering’s attention to one of ZDDT’s key objectives in this work that entails cooperating with democratically elected local Councillors and their Community Action Teams, (CATs).
Guests were then led out to a shady spot in the Trust’s spacious and attractive front garden, where the presentation was made by ZDDT’s Bulawayo Provincial Development Officer, Bruce Mtengwa, to Ward Seven CAT Chairman, Lumeck Nyoni. The incumbent Cllr. James Sithole could not attend due to a pressing prior appointment. In his remarks of appreciation, Mr. Nyoni thanked all who had made the special occasion possible, and said that he would pray for God’s blessing upon each one of them.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, Bulawayo Rotary Club President, Edwin Nhando, in response to a question on his feelings in being a witness to the successful conclusion of the tape-aids initiative, replied; “Rotary’s prime function is to serve the less fortunate and those less privileged than ourselves. This initiative falls neatly within our sphere of operation, hence the willingness to assist. It gives a deep sense of inner fulfillment to know that the disadvantaged have benefited through our interventions.” Such sentiments were echoed by past president and much decorated Eric Rensburg, whose charitable endeavours are well chronicled, and the Club’s proficient Secretary, Sam P. Sithole.
The initiative came following an approach by the Trust made to Tape Aids, a Durban based organisation in South Africa, which offered to donate equipment in order that local visually impaired people would benefit.
ZDDT partnered with Rotary, renowned for their commitment to the community, and the goods were shipped to Bulawayo. All border charges were provided free of charge by Professional Clearing (Pvt) Ltd, headed by J.H. Langlois and represented at the presentation by Operation’s Director, Sitshengisiwe Ndlovu. Asked for the reason that motivated her company to assist, Mrs. Ndlovu replied; “To us, ZDDT’s appeal represented more than just a business call. It struck deep chords of human compassion, which are most difficult to ignore. However, it is the result that really matters. The gratification that one derives from doing well to one’s less privileged fellowman provides adequate compensation.”
The equipment consists of tape-recording machines and recordings which may be used as learning aids or a means of entertainment by visually impaired people.