Katlego Legotlo was unable to contain his excitement when Nika Du Toit dropped off his new wheels; he quickly changed chairs and zoomed around the driveway, leaving us all with tears of joy!
Westcliff, South Africa (24 April 2023) – Nika Du Toit, the acting Deputy Principal at Hope School in Westcliff, Johannesburg, met Katlego Legotlo in 2016 when he enrolled at the school as a student. Katlego was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 6 months old. In his time at the school, he charmed everyone and has become an important person to Nika. She wanted to surprise him and started a crowdfund to get him a new set of wheels.
Speaking to BackaBuddy, Nika shared how the crowdfund turned into such a success and how humbled she has been in watching Katlego navigate life.
During his time at school, he pushed past his disability, earning himself 3 distinctions and graduating during the pandemic, which was a challenge for many.
“Katlego is a wonderful young man who has inspired me to live a better, more grateful life, since the moment I met him. He always smiles no matter how hard life gets. Who am I then to not smile and be grateful as well.”
In 2023, the pair reconnected while at a local market. Nika noticed that Katlego’s wheelchair was wearing down and needed upgrading. Just as they started reconnecting, the wheelchair broke but Nika had quietly started a crowdfund to surprise Katlego with some new wheels.
Nika was blown away by the crowdfund’s success. Thirty donors responded to the BackaBuddy plea, contributing over R54,000 to help purchase Katlego’s new wheels.
Earlier this month, Nika convinced Katlego and his family to visit. She got them outside and told Katlego to close his eyes. When he opened them, he saw the Quickie Q50 R, the electric wheelchair that would change his life forever.
“If there is anyone that deserves this, it’s this precious soul. A person who always smiles regardless of his setbacks, he brings joy to all around him. It warms my heart to help people and make their lives a little easier. I can’t thank the donors enough for their unbelievable generosity,” says Nika.
Nika caught the entire moment on camera to share with all the donors that made this gift possible. The crowdfund is still active as any additional funds raised will be used to purchase Katlego a specialised car seat as well.
Take a look at Katlego receiving his new chair below and his absolute joy in testing it out.
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