T Xasa donates equipment to survivor of bus accident

27 February 2006

The Social Development MEC Toko Xasa this morning handed over information
technology (IT) equipment to Nomawethu Sifumba who survived a bus accident that
claimed lives of the members of the Kingsridge High School (KHS) last
year.
The accident left Nomawethu, who was then a student at the school, with one arm
and on a wheelchair.

Various IT companies co-ordinated by the State Information Technology Agency
(SITA) answered the call by the MEC to donate equipment that will make
Nomawethu’s life better.

The following are donations from these companies:
* MASTEK – Laptop
* Microsoft – Software, wireless keyboard and mouse
* CHM Vuwani – Dragon Dictate a programme designed to recognise speech that
will make typing easy for her.

The University of Fort Hare was not to be left out as they committed to
providing psychological support to Nomawethu. Speaking at the event MEC Xasa
said: “This generous investment will certainly yield returns as this young girl
will contribute to the development of this country and be able to receive
scarce skills that are needed to make our economy grow.”

“As government we applaud the actions of our private partners who are
constantly taking a collective responsibility for the development of the well
being of our children,” she said.

Nomawethu has now been transferred to Cape Recise school for children with
special needs in Port Elizabeth where she is said to be doing exceptionally
well.

Enquiry:
Tabisa Poswa
Cell: 082 444 4030

Issued by: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
27 February 2006