A brand-new beach wheelchair was officially deployed at Kabeljauws Beach last Friday. This thanks to a collaborative effort between the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust, Kouga Municipality, and Pili Pili Restaurant. Pictured are (back from left) Willem Gertenbach (Kouga Ward 3 Councillor), Neels Swanepoel (Pili Pili Restaurant), Timothy Jantjes (Kouga Executive Deputy Mayor), Dawie Diedericks (Pili Pili Restaurant). Front is Tom Bouwer (Jeffreys Bay Tourism Deputy Chairperson).
Freedom on the sand
Jeffreys Bay – In a step towards accessibility for all, a brand-new beach wheelchair was officially deployed at Kabeljauws Beach last Friday. This thanks to a collaborative effort between the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust, Kouga Municipality, and Pili Pili Restaurant.
This innovative addition offers individuals with mobility impairments – as well as the elderly or frail who dream of feeling the sand beneath their feet and the waves around them – a chance to enjoy the beach with ease.
Kouga Executive Deputy Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, expressed his pride in the initiative. “As a municipality, we are committed to innovation and making our beaches accessible to all.
“Incredibly proud”
“We are incredibly proud to launch this wheelchair. It is about providing opportunity, mobility, and freedom to those who need it most.”
Jantjes added that with this launch, Kabeljauws Beach joins Dolphin Beach, which already boasts two amphibious wheelchairs. “This is a significant step in ensuring accessibility not only to our beaches but also to our municipal buildings, tourism areas, parking, and ablution facilities,” he said.
The municipality has also upgraded the parking area to enhance the overall experience for visitors with mobility challenges.
Pili Pili Restaurant has taken on the responsibility of managing the wheelchair’s maintenance and promotion, ensuring it remains available for everyone. To access the wheelchair, visitors can fill in a registration form and receive the combination lock code from Pili Pili Restaurant.
The wheelchair is free to use. Donations to the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust are welcomed to support future initiatives.
Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust
Founded in 2012, the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust was established to address a critical gap in support for quadriplegics and paraplegics. Particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, who have entrepreneurial talents but struggle to secure funding for their business ideas.
The trust actively raises funds to support the establishment of start-up businesses for quadriplegics and paraplegics. Additionally, it provides scaling capital to help existing businesses grow when needed. What sets this initiative apart is that the funding provided is not a loan but a gift. There is an optional mentoring available to ensure sustainable success.
Over the past 12 months alone, the trust has empowered at least eight businesses with start-up capital. This has enabled them to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The trust is also committed to identifying other avenues to empower quadriplegics and paraplegics. This dedication led to the launch of the beach wheelchair project, an initiative embraced wholeheartedly by the trustees to further promote inclusion and accessibility.
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