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Wheels of Change: How New Wheelchairs Are Empowering Learners at Meerhof School

Published

2 months ago

July 31, 2025

Chiraag

wheelchair donation, Meerhof School, disabled learners, Medipost Holdings, assistive devices, Pretoria special needs school, inclusive education, Hartbeespoort school success, Joburg ETC

From hospital wards to hallways of hope, a school near Pretoria is giving children with disabilities the tools to thrive.

At the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains in Hartbeespoort, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place at Meerhof School. Once a World War II hospital, the building now hums with the energy of learners whose spirits are as resilient as their surroundings. For the 240 pupils who call this Northwest school home, mobility is more than a matter of convenience; it is the key to freedom.

Recently, that key became more tangible thanks to a heartfelt donation of wheelchairs from Medipost Holdings. For learners living with physical and cognitive disabilities, the arrival of these mobility aids has been nothing short of life-changing.

‘We’re more confident now’

“We are more comfortable, more confident, and hopeful about our futures,” says Tshiamo, a learner at the school, visibly moved by the gesture. “These wheelchairs mean we can move around on our own, and when we outgrow them or leave school, other children will get to use them too.”

That spirit of generosity and forward-thinking is woven into Meerhof’s fabric. Despite operating on a limited budget, the school has maintained a 100% matric pass rate for 17 years. Following the national CAPS curriculum from Grade R to 12, Meerhof not only focuses on academic success but also prepares its learners for life beyond the classroom.

A gift that unlocks futures

For Medipost Holdings, the wheelchair donation is part of a broader mission. Group CEO Dr Victor Ramathesele explains that the lack of access to assistive devices is one of the biggest barriers to social and economic participation for people with disabilities.

“These learners are capable, driven, and filled with potential,” Ramathesele says. “We’ve seen past pupils go on to become teachers, lawyers, and professionals who are breaking down stigma and reshaping how we see disability in South Africa.”

Medipost’s socioeconomic development efforts have extended beyond Meerhof. In past years, they’ve donated bicycles to rural learners to help them reach school. Their investment goes beyond handouts; it’s about helping children chart paths towards independence.

From dependence to independence

Principal Kobus van der Merwe beams with pride as he speaks about his learners. “This school is vibrant. These are not children defined by their limitations. They are led by their strengths. Our motto, ‘from dependence to independence,’ guides everything we do.”

The school’s boarding facilities make it possible for learners with mobility challenges to live and learn in a safe, supportive environment. It’s a full-circle model of care that nurtures growth beyond the classroom.

With support from initiatives like this, the future looks brighter for these children. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that disability does not equate to inability. Sometimes, all it takes is the right set of wheels to put a dream in motion.