A disabled former prison warden could finally feel the sun on his face after being confined to his Delft home for two years.
Sindisile Mnyute, 38, who worked at Pollsmoor Prison, received a surprise visit from his former colleagues on Friday as they donated a wheelchair and built a ramp at his home.
MOBILE: Sindisile outside. Photo: Monique Duval
Sindisile worked as a warden for seven years, but two years ago he contracted a spinal infection which left the right side of his body paralysed.
Unable to move, the father of two could not work and was medically boarded.
Pollsmoor spokesperson, Lewies Davids, says as Sindisile had not worked for 10 years in public service, he did not qualify for a medical pension, and was forced into a life of poverty.
“[His illness] has also affected his mental capacity which led him to struggle with his speech,” Lewies explains.
“He now stays with his mother and two siblings in a one-bedroom RDP house in Delft. The only source of income is the wages of his mother, who is a domestic worker.”
When Pollsmoor officials heard of Sindisile’s plight, they dug into their own pockets to buy him a wheelchair, food, clothes, blankets and toiletries for the family as part of their Madiba Day campaign.
Last week wardens and three prisoners came to his house and built a ramp and painted the entire house.
ASSISTED: Brother and warden help Sindisile out of the house. Photo: Monique Duval
Speaking to the Daily Voice, Sindisile says he was excited to get out of the house as he felt like a prisoner.
“I am so grateful for all the help. Today my brother can take me outside and I can feel the sun on my face,” he says.
“We had to struggle because of the step, but now they can take me out easily and I don’t have to feel like a prisoner anymore.”
His younger brother, Sipho Juwambi, 29, says Sindisile has been undergoing
physiotherapy and is able to walk short distances, with support of another person.
Wardens sang and celebrated in the road as Sindisile was wheeled down the brand-new ramp and with the help of Sipho, he took a few steps to show his improvement.