Amos Mzimeli overcame the heartbreak and harrowing aftermath of a catastrophic rugby injury to become a beacon of hope
As a lively, talented 18-year-old, Amos Mzimeli’s life was forever changed during a rugby game in Mooiplaas in the Eastern Cape on 20 May 1990. He recalls: “I was still in school at the time, playing for the school and my local club. I was playing flank and captained Moonlight Rugby Club’s first team that day.”
“I was carrying the ball and as I was about to take contact, I lost my balance because of the bad ground we were playing on. My opponent and I ended up having a head-to- head collision and I broke my neck.”
Amos said the support of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund was particularly crucial in the early, most difficult days.
“I went into a deep depression after the injury. It hit me that I would never walk or be able to use my hands again and I felt like my life was over. The Fund has helped me in many ways. They helped me out of that dark period and helped put some food on the table during that time.”
“If they weren’t part of my life, I would probably have passed away years ago. It’s so comforting to know you have their support and that support goes a long way to help you make something of your life,” he shares.
Having made an all-important mental shift, Amos completed his schooling and earned a diploma in computer literacy. In 2000, he tied the knot and has three children, including a set of twins.
Fully embracing life, he became a shining light in Soto village, situated near Haga Haga in the Eastern Cape, by project-managing the concept and building of the Great Kei Disability Multipurpose Centre with the help of Lottery funding.
“Because of what I went through, I decided to do something for others with disabilities,” he explained. “In doing research, I went from village to village, and it was shocking to find out that most people with disabilities were either physically, emotionally or sexually abused, as well as neglected.”
“In many cases, the government grants that the person with a disability receives are being spent by other family members, while many parents didn’t bother trying to educate their children. They believe people with disabilities are useless.”
“Instead of wheelchairs, some were being pushed in wheelbarrows and others were being carried on a mattress. It was terrible to discover these things. With the support of partners and sponsors, we were able to purchase 15 wheelchairs, including four electric ones,” Amos explains.
The Centre opened in 2014 and continues to go from strength to strength with Amos as the key figure. He shares: “We started with 24 beneficiaries, and we now have 147. The local municipality built us a beautiful facility with an office, classes, a hall, and a kitchen.”
“We offer learnership programmes and we have programmes that employ people with disabilities. Our main activities are entrepreneurship, computer studies, beadwork arts and crafts, sewing, awareness campaigns, advocacy and public education, family support services, home-based care services, psycho-social support, self-help groups and sport,” he adds.
“Last year, we successfully recruited 37 beneficiaries into our Cell phone Repair Skills programme. This initiative aimed to equip them with practical skills for self-employment opportunities. This year, we’ve expanded our reach and recruited 50 beneficiaries who are currently participating in the Receptionist Skills Programme.”
The community pillar was invited by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to attend its world-class workshops in Japan and Thailand in 2019, which he described as an opportunity of a lifetime.
“Representing South Africa as one of nine countries was an honour for me, and it was a great experience. I learned a great deal about independent living,” says a proud and grateful Amos. His wonderful work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s earned a number of accolades, including a Local Hero award from the Daily Dispatch in 2019 and a service excellence award in 2020.
“The awards I’ve received are wonderful. I love the work that I do. It’s extremely rewarding,” he notes.
The Centre received a Lottery grant last year, which was a Godsend, as it enabled them to purchase 10 wheelchairs, solar panels, sewing machines and security cameras. However, further funding is required to help them continue their mission of empowering individuals with disabilities.
“We have dedicated voluntary caregivers who are working tirelessly to help beneficiaries. We are looking for funding to support the Centre in various areas, including training beneficiaries and operating costs. Funding will mean a lot not only to the Centre but to the communities at large,” he pleads.
Businesses and individuals who are interested in supporting the Centre are urged to contact Amos on 078 091 4041.
