His older brother accompanied the 38-year-old man who shook as he walked, weak and wobbly on his feet.

Sibusiso Kunene of rural Eswatini was brought to a Luke Commission mobile hospital outreach, “because someone told me I must come today and see this cart which could help me be a man again.”

In the family bakkie (truck), the brother Jabulani Shongwe transported the disabled man with strong shoulders and arms but a weakened lower body. His speech was also slurred.

Sibusiso lives with his brother, his brother’s wife, and the couple’s four children. Jabulani and Sibusiso have the same mother but different fathers.

Five years ago, Sibusiso returned from a job in South Africa and could no longer walk. He did not seek medical help or go see a doctor.

“I do not know what happened to me, but had no money,” he said. Just what happened may not be clear, but one thing was clear: Sibusiso was a perfect candidate for a cart from Mobility Worldwide, the affiliate in DeMotte, Indiana.

A couple hours later, when his new mobility cart had been assembled and adjusted to his body, Sibusiso could not contain his joy.

The brothers were instructed how to care for the cart and given tools to keep it in good repair. “This cart is from people in America who love Jesus,” TLC staff told the pair.

Two men receive Mobility Worldwide carts this day a TLC rural outreach. It’s a double blessing for all watching.

“I am so happy. Please help others, too,” said Sibusiso in his broken speech.

“My brother is good to me,” Sibusiso said, “but this cart will change my life. It will be easy to move around.”

 

Jabulani (left) celebrates with his brother Sibusiso – a new way to mobility, a new way to independence for both men.

Jabulani plows maize to support his family and his brother. After allowing Sibusiso the thrill of driving his new cart around the schoolyard where The Luke Commission had gathered for the day – all to the cheers of appreciative school children – Jabulani loaded the prized cart in the back of his pickup. The family homestead was 20 kilometers away.

“They come from all over Eswatini to ask for these carts,” said TLC staff, as Sibusiso waved his thankfulness with a smile spectacular as an African sunset.

Thank you Mobility Worldwide Indiana.

Gratefully, Janet Tuinstra for TLC

Sibusiso’s new mobility cart is loaded into his brother’s pickup to take to the homestead where Sibusiso lives with brother’s family.