Differently-abled students from the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) have welcomed assistance from the Unit for Development, which has handed over various assistive pieces of equipment which will help make their academic lives more manageable.

After receiving a donation of R50 000 from the Ackerman Family Educational Trust, the Development Unit opted to assist a student who needed a wheelchair, another who needed new crutches, and devices for students with hearing and vision disabilities.

Xolisa Lubhelwa, a first-year Information Technology student sat proudly in his new electric wheelchair, excited at the possibility of moving around campus with ease. “I love being mobile, I’m always out and about and this electric wheelchair is going to help me immensely. When it would rain and I had to attend classes, I would often slip with my old wheelchair, especially when going up steep areas. Thankfully I can now travel without that worry. I’d often see other students with electric wheelchairs moving about with ease, and I’ve always known deep in my heart that I would join them,” said Lubhelwa.

Second-year Human Resources student, Tsolofelo Tiba received new crutches as the rubber soles of his old crutches were worn out. “I’m very grateful as my old crutches were really worn out, and the new ones look shiny and new. I will also be able to move faster as they are lighter so I’ll be getting around much faster,” said Tiba.

CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Henk de Jager reiterated that students at the University are a top priority. “It is pleasing to note that there is an increase in the intake of differently-abled students and that really excites me. We currently have 130 differently-abled students that are supported by NSFAS and 23 students who are supported by the University through other means, like we are doing today. All these efforts prove that CUT is an appealing institution as it attracts a growing number of differently-abled students and we will continue working on this. And I hope that these devices you have received will not only enhance your mobility, but will enhance your quality of life,” said Prof de Jager.

Captions

1. CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Henk de Jager, Xolisa Lubhelwa, Tsholofelo Tiba and Dr Ntsoaki Malebo, Senior Director: Innovation in Learning and Teaching at the handover ceremony held at the CUT Welkom campus.