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Quadriplegics and Paraplegics owned small businesses thrown a lifeline

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Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust of South Africa lends a helping hand

There are many quadriplegics and paraplegics in South Africa who survive on the revenue that they generate from their small business and entrepreneurial activities. Inaccessible transport and inaccessible environments are the catalyst for quadriplegics and paraplegics to open their own business and trade from home or in their community.

The lockdown has paralysed and put at risk the many businesses owned by quadriplegics and paraplegics and the Trustees of the Charitable Trust identified this and has made available funding to be deployed as emergency funding for rescue and sustainability of these businesses. Criteria for the funding and application process protocols were distributed and applications are being processed and a number of applicants have been successful with funding to date.

The Charitable Trust was founded in 2012 by leading quadriplegics and paraplegics in the disability community who saw the vision of growing resources through good business transactions and resource mobilisation to assist small business opportunities and business growth for quadriplegics and paraplegics.

This week the Charitable Trust has deployed funding to seven companies who qualified within the criteria and further applications are being accepted and processed.
The Charitable Trust will continue to identify opportunities for quadriplegics and paraplegics to be successful in business and will provide resources and mentorship to ensure this constituency has the opportunity to be sustainable in self-employment as well as contribute to the economy by paying taxes and becoming employers.

“The vision of the Charitable Trust is not only to provide the resources for these small businesses to produce and provide service, but also markets within which to operate and serve.” says Xolani Mchunu, the Trusts Chairperson. “We are very proud to be part of the solution and giving hope and support to our constituency of entrepreneurs in these tough and uncertain times”.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.