Meet Vumani Phungula

Vumani Phungula is a 35-year-old man who has been unable to walk since birth. When we first met Vumani, we found that he was often confined to a small, one-bedroom home that he shares with his mother. Because she works as a domestic worker nearby, she has no choice but to lock Vumani inside while she’s at work, ensuring his safety while she earns a living to support their family.

When we visited, Vumani was sitting in a plastic chair with a blanket around his legs, a heater on the floor, and a plate of food beside him. His situation deeply touched us.

We were able to provide Vumani with a wheelchair, which has significantly improved his and his mother’s lives. Now, instead of having to carry him 50 meters to the toilet, his mother can easily wheel him back and forth. She is incredibly grateful for the support and assistance, and on some days, she is even able to bring Vumani along to work with her, offering him a change of scenery and more freedom. This small but impactful change has made a world of difference for both of them.