Media Release: Collective Effort Brings Renewed Dignity to Skills Mecca Participant

For Immediate Release
24 April 2026

Government and the private sector have partnered to donate an electric wheelchair and a pair of spectacles to Clidine Davids, a beneficiary of the Garden Route Skills Mecca, an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

This effort will enhance her mobility and provide greater independence, enabling easier access to George and surrounding areas.

The initiative began in February 2026, when a GRDM employee, Bonisile Desha, noticed that the wheels of Clidine’s wheelchair were damaged. He promptly contacted Morné Pieterse, Station Manager at Eden FM, to enquire about possible assistance in funding the replacement.

Without hesitation, Pietersen committed to supporting the effort and arranged for the wheels to be replaced. However, the broader vision extended beyond this immediate solution – it was to replace Clidine’s wheelchair entirely with a foldable model that could fit into smaller vehicles. This would significantly improve her ability to travel, get access to areas previously out of reach, particularly as she relies primarily on public transport.

With Davids’ needs in mind, Desha approached additional businesses to support the procurement of an EW-03 electric foldable wheelchair. Letsatsi committed to covering the full cost of a foldable wheelchair, while Mafori and Loxion Lounge jointly funded her new pair of spectacles.

As the initiative gained momentum, more partners came on board to support the handover event. Mestile Projects provided catering, while Sugarbird supplied refreshments for the event. The region’s largest community radio station, Eden FM, further supported the initiative by offering on-air exposure, allowing participating sponsors to showcase their services.

At an emotional handover ceremony today held at the GRDM, Davids extended words of gratitude to all stakeholders and sponsors involved in this life-changing initiative.

Generous sponsors celebrating the moment with Clidine after the official handover of the wheelchair.

Who is Clidine Davids?

A young inspirational woman who is an entrepreneur, self-motivated, steadfast and self-determined to make the lives around her better. She is a bright and positive person who is an inspiration and example to others, despite the challenges she faces daily.

She was born during the mid-pregnancy within the second trimester. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and given limited life expectancy. This amazing young woman has overcome every life expectancy given to her by the medical profession and is now 29 years old.

Due to her conditions, Clidene could not attend a mainstream education school and attended Carpe Diem School that caters for physical-, learning- and intellectually impaired learners. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, she could not complete her High School education, but it is still a dream of Clidene to finally achieve her Matric Certificate.

Clidene is fully dependable on her wheelchair to move around and due to the stroke she experienced as a baby, she has other impairments as well. She is currently supporting her household comprising of her sick mother and 3 brothers of which 2 of her brothers are still in school.

Currently, Clidene is the breadwinner of the household responsible for rent, electricity, school fees and additional academic classes that her brothers require. She ensures that everyone in her household is taken care of, do their assigned responsibilities and are fed and still have a clean house. She says that she had to become a mother earlier than imagined. She is currently registered on the RDP beneficiary list of the George Municipality in her endeavour to obtain a house for her family,

Davids is furthermore taking part in an internship program at the GRDM, to equip and give her exposure to the working environment.

The GRDM, which facilitated the initiative, takes pride in knowing that Clidine’s quality of life will be enhanced. It furthermore builds on the impact already envisioned through the Garden Route Skills Mecca.

“As a District Municipality, we are deeply grateful to the private sector for their meaningful contribution to Claudine’s well-being.”

ENDS