How the logo changed on the wheelchairs from Lotto to OJA.
Training workshops are help for fitting and correct use of wheelchairs
At a workshop, learning to assemble and adjust the wheelchairs
Wheelchair recipients often live in places where easy access is difficult
Wheelchair recipients often live in places where easy access is difficult
Some recipiets have to crawl around when their wheelchair breaks or wears out.
Wheelchairs, ready for delivery.

Operation Jumpstart Wheelchair Programme

In 1998, a need was identified in KwaZulu- Natal for wheelchairs amongst poor mobility impaired people. There had not been a government tender for wheelchairs for a few years, and this meant that many hospitals had long waiting lists because they were not providing enough wheelchairs for the people. The NPOs did not have funding to provide wheelchairs for those that approached them for help.

The Quadpara Association (QASA) of KZN, together with a service provider who was training disabled people to become wheelchair repairers in the various districts of KZN, then launched a search to find an organisation to fund the supply of wheelchairs on a large scale, to try and address this backlog experienced by the various hospitals and organisations for and of disabled people.

The Natal Lotto

The Natal Lotto (which was functioning at the time) was approached. They approved the proposal to fund wheelchairs, provided careful control was maintained to ensure no fraud or similar crimes were committed.

The wheelchairs were distributed through a variety of registered NPOs throughout KwaZulu- Natal, as well as hospitals and schools for children with special needs. When the National Lottery was established and the Natal Lotto was closed down, the money that was left over for distribution to worthy causes was invested for the future use in alleviating suffering amongst the people of KwaZulu- Natal, which included wheelchairs.

Operation Jumpstart Association

Operation Jumpstart Association (OJA) then established an organisation called Wheelchairs KZN in June 2000, to ensure continued wheelchair distribution. This programme was funded solely by the OJA, who operated the Natal Lotto.

Wheelchairs KZN

Wheelchairs KZN was a community based non-profit organisation dedicated to supply suitable wheelchairs for disabled people resident in KZN, who were not able to obtain a wheelchair from another source.

Working closely with the Department of Health, (without taking over the State’s responsibility to supply wheelchairs for the poor), as well as schools and organisations that offer services by and to the disabled communities throughout KZN, the identification of those who had not been able to access a wheelchair was continued.

Individual Assessments

Each person is individually assessed by the referring organisation, (with help where necessary from the OJA wheelchair programme coordinator) to ensure they receive the correct size and type of wheelchair.

Wheelchairs KZN was disbanded in 2008 after a rationalisation process within OJA, and became one of the programmes under the umbrella of OJA. This programme differs from many other wheelchair programmes and projects, as we keep an up to date database of all our recipients

We try to also cooperate with other wheelchair donors, where they are willing to share information. This is done, amongst other reasons, to make sure that people are not getting more than one wheelchair at a time. We try, as much as possible to make sure that the person that has difficulty walking or cannot walk at all gets the correct size and type of wheelchair.

This is because if a person does not have the correct wheelchair, they can become more disabled, can injure themselves, or develop other problems such as pressure sores. The correct wheelchair can also help them do things for themselves – e.g. push their own wheelchairs, cook, work etc., and also go out to attend church, visit friends and go to the clinic or hospital when they need to.

Regular Training Workshops

Regular training workshops are presented throughout KZN to empower people with knowledge about wheelchairs and seating. These workshops are provided together with the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of KwaZulu- Natal, the Department of Health KZN, and the Department of Basic Education through the special needs schools. Non-Government Organisations, Faith based organisations and non- profit organisations are also included in these workshops.

These workshops aim to empower grassroots workers – both professionals and lay people about what is available, and why it is important to give the person the correct wheelchair.

Assistance was provided in terms of access to rural areas by the Red Cross Flying Medical Outreach Services.

Database of Wheelchairs

A database of all the people that receive wheelchairs through our programme has been kept, which is the largest (and as far as we know the only) database in KZN of wheelchair users. (We are compliant with the POPIA to ensure the personal information is kept safe.) We regularly update this list to ensure the information is current.

The wheelchair programme has distributed about 20 000 manual wheelchairs (a wheelchair pushed by the user or a helper) and 220 motorised wheelchairs to individual wheelchair users throughout KZN in the 25 years it has been running.

How to Apply for a Wheelchair

The OJA Wheelchair Programme will verify applications, and make appointments for assessments to be conducted at the applicant’s convenience.

Where necessary for specialised wheelchairs such as motorised wheelchairs or specialised seating for severely disabled individuals.

The recipient must be aware that OJA is not responsible for maintenance or any other costs associated with wheelchair provided.

The manual wheelchairs must be returned to the organisation that applied for it and the motorized wheelchair must be returned to OJA for redistribution if the applicant dies, or is no longer able to use the wheelchair for any other reason within 2 years of receiving it.

A replacement chair will be considered if the person has not been able to become self-sufficient e.g. the person goes on to tertiary education after school

Co-payments might be requested from the user, depending on their financial circumstances for the motorised wheelchairs

All applications are to be made on the correct application forms available from the OJA office.

  •     The OJA Wheelchair Programme will verify applications, and make appointments for assessments to be conducted at the applicant’s convenience.
  •     Where necessary for specialised wheelchairs such as motorised wheelchairs or specialised seating for severely disabled individuals.
  •     The recipient must be aware that OJA is not responsible for maintenance or any other costs associated with wheelchair provided.
  •     The manual wheelchairs must be returned to the organisation that applied for it and the motorized wheelchair must be returned to OJA for redistribution if the applicant dies, or is no longer able to use the wheelchair for any other reason within 2 years of receiving it.
  •     A replacement chair will be considered if the person has not been able to become self-sufficient e.g. the person goes on to tertiary education after school
  •     Co-payments might be requested from the user, depending on their financial circumstances for the motorised wheelchairs

    All applications are to be made on the correct application forms available from the OJA office.