Siyabonga's life changes

Siyabonga Mtshweni receives his custom made wheel chair

Siyabonga Mtshweni was born in 2001 with Cerebral Palsy. He cannot walk and has no means of mobility. Siyabonga's mother Sibongile Evelyn Mtshweni is unemployed. Sibongile Mtshweni joined the Down Syndrome Association Gauteng Support Group in 2005. His plight was brought to the attention of the Differently Abled Trust by John Dikgale of the Down Syndrome Association of Gauteng. Sibongile was presented with a custom designed Shonaquip chair that will give him the appropriate support that will allow him to sit upright and will allow his mother to move him from place to place without carrying him! Because his particular condition he was also presented with a special mattress to give him support when he is lying down as well. This gift of a new physical reality was made possible through the generosity of The Centurion Mall, Benmore Gardens as well as individual staff members of the Broll Group and the Broll Foundation. They partnered with the Differently Abled Trust and have changed the life of a young child with a disability. The Differently Abled Trust NPO No: 052249 & PBO No: 930023149 has a primary focus on identifying and assisting children with disabilities from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with a hope that this will also bring about a much needed change in mindset toward disability in South Africa. One of the most marginalized groups in South Africa are people with disabilities and yet South Africa has one of the most advanced sets of legislation to assist them. Only when they are the beneficiaries of knowledge and skills education will they be able to take advantage of the legislation that should empower them. Contributions to the Differently Abled Trust can be sent to PO Box 2152 Highlands North 2037 or deposited directly into Account Name : Differently Abled 24/7/365 Bank : Standard Bank, Bramley (004 005) Account Number: 002 982 064

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Contact Person: Johann Fourie, Centre Manager
Contact Number: (012) 663-1702
Date: Wednesday, 17March 2010

Centurion Mall has a policy of not allowing hawkers within the centre. This is one of the many policies that Centurion Mall has put in place to ensure that their shoppers enjoy a pleasurable shopping experience and to protect their tenants.

On Saturday, 16 March, Ms Lindi Alberts was requested by Centurion Mall Security to refrain from illegally selling teddy bears in the centre and to accompany them to the control room.

Ms Alberts verbally abused and assaulted the guard. Two female security guards took control of the situation to prevent further disturbance in the centre.

Ms Alberts’s employer, Mr. Deon Oosthuizen has been requested at numerous times by Centurion Mall management not to illegally trade in the centre.