Picture: Patricia Sesoko (53) with her grandson, Tshiamo (5)

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Sesoko family at Molelema village in Taung was left dejected after the North West Social Development department allegedly failed them. Patricia Sesoko (53) said they are in need of a ‘special wheelchair’ for their grandson, Tshiamo (5) who is suffering from cerebral palsy.

“My grandson was born with cerebral palsy and he needs a special wheelchair. Tshiamo’s condition has not improved since his birth and it is difficult for us. No one is working in the house, so we survive with Tshiamo’s disability grant.

“The clinic is too far and it is difficult for me to take him to the clinic when the needs arise. I have three children and we urge any Good Samaritan for assistance. We’ve requested assistance from the government, however, our plea fell in deaf ears,” Sesoko said.

According to Sesoko, she was forced to go and borrow her father’s wheelchair which is not designed to ferry cerebral palsy patients when taking Tshiamo to the clinic.

A local social activist, Mothibi Makoro said: “We believe that our government should ensure that it caters for the deprived. It is so devastating to see Sesoko family living in this dire condition, while we have government officials sitting comfortably in air-conditioned offices.

“However, I do not blame the ANC-led government for these shenanigans, but public servants. We urge our government to ensure that our people receive basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation. The family had no electricity in their home and we had to fight for them to get it. Tshiamo is using the device that needs electricity and imagine living without it.”

However, the North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said the department has been in contact with the family. Siko further said the ward social worker has also visited the family several times since April this year.

“The ward social worker has compiled a home circumstance report that outlines the needs of the family. Based on the home circumstance report, the social worker has linked the family of the boy with the local municipality to provide them with electricity because the device that the boy is using requires electricity.

“I can confirm that the electricity has been installed with the support of the ward social worker. The boy has been referred to the Taung hospital to undergo physiotherapy. The social worker has also requested the hospital to put the boy’s name on the waiting list of those who are awaiting wheelchairs,” said Siko.

He added that Tshiamo is currently receiving a child support grant from SASSA too. Siko said communities are urged to use ward social workers’ services or visit the nearest service point of the department.

“Furthermore, the department has a school social worker programme which addresses the needs of the learners within the school premises,” he said.

Gina Jansheski, M.D. who is a Board Certified Pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics said: “Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by brain damage and it is the most common motor and movement disability of childhood.

Cerebral palsy causes a range of disabilities, from mild to severe.”

Anyone who would like to assist the family can contact Patricia Sesoko on 0737198770

taungdailynews@gmail.com