2 June 2023
It’s these kinds of stories – this one was shared on the DHS Facebook page – that warm the heart and give one hope that we, as South Africans, can overcome any odds… Congratulations to DHS grade 8 learner Xantha Whiteley for setting a beautiful example.
In 2022, he befriended a wheelchair-bound man, Aubrey Madlala, whom he had seen asking for assistance for his mother and himself at a traffic light on Spine Road.
Taking action
Then, a few weeks ago, Xantha noticed that Aubrey’s wheelchair was falling apart. He decided to take action. Together with his mother, Xantha approached various organisations to help with Aubrey’s plight.
It took persistence and a little luck, but his diligence paid off when Ari Seirlis and Louise Rode from the QuadPara Association of South Africa – https://qasa.co.za/ – arranged for a wheelchair to be donated to Aubrey.
Reflecting on the experience, Xantha said: “I could see a massive spark of happiness in his eyes as he saw the wheelchair.
“The best thing was seeing him happy and able to move around better. The little things in life can have the biggest impacts.”
Support
Seeing the reactions of people to Xantha’s generosity also gives one hope because it reveals how much they appreciate these kinds of values.
Ari Seirlis, who helped arrange the wheelchair, commented under the story on the DHS Facebook page, “A wonderful initiative”.
Tracey Rixon Bedford succinctly summed it up, “Absolutely brilliant”, and Shelley Oliphant echoed the thoughts of many, writing “What a fine young man”.
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