He's spent the last 39 years getting from place to place on his hands and knees. Now, thanks to a wheelchair provided by Amathuba Upliftment Project, Ben Bhengu is finally truly mobile.

Ben lost his ability to walk following an operation at the age of 18 months. In KwaNyuswa where Ben lives, life is hard for most people; there was never any chance that his family would be able to provide specialised care or equipment. When co-founder of Amathuba, Robert Zuma (pictured above right with Ben and his father, Bhekela Bhengu), delivered the wheelchair, Ben's smile stretched from ear to ear - he was so excited!

"I'm so happy, I don't know what to say," he told us. "My knees no longer feel any pain. I had to look out for broken bottles and remove them to prevent myself from being hurt every time I crawled."

Robert Zuma thanked Roy Reed for donating the wheelchair to Amathuba.

"There are lots of disabled people who need help in the area," he said. "There are no special needs schools in Embo and KwaNyuswa. As well as being located far from home, the schools are expensive."

If you would like to help someone in need, please consider joining with other caring people and making your donation online now by clicking the button alongside.

Or contact Robert on 083 595 1424 or email robert@amathuba.co.za if you are able to donate gifts in kind.