Zimele's fund-raising Zumba session empowers amputees and celebrates movement

The Zimele non-profit beneficiaries and guests took part in a fund-raising Zumba session at Herschel Girls School in Claremont on Saturday, November 15.

Around 50 guests took part in an energy-fueled Zumba session led by instructor Abigail Kwan, while the beneficiaries in wheelchairs and those with prosthetic limbs were actively involved in the session with various moves choreographed by the instructor. 

The Pinelands-based organisation was established in 2020 by Dr Sarah Whitehead and Jayson Chin, and they provide prosthetic rehabilitation to adult amputees from disadvantaged backgrounds. (“Zimele helps us see ability within disability,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, March 4). 

Mr Chin said they had the best turnout for their Zumba session this year.

“We like to thank all our beneficiaries for supporting this event. We thank everyone who danced, it was amazing to see the celebration of movement, movement which is a human right, which is something that Zimele wants to support, not just with prosthetics, though with living with amputation,” he said.

Zimele beneficiary, Alison Pasqualli, 59, from Heathfield, has been part of the organisation for the past three years. Ms Pasqualli said she had to have her right leg amputated a few years ago due to a burning incident on her foot. She is still going through rehabilitation with the organisation. “They give me good support and I am really happy with them,” she said.

Ms Pasqualli said she really enjoyed the Zumba program.

“It keeps you fit and stress-free,” she said.

Two other beneficiaries, Zihkona Ntanga, 38, and Primrose Sakasa, 44, from Khayelitsha, also joined the Zumba session. Ms Ntanga said she has been with the Zimele for over a year, where she is undergoing rehabilitation for a leg injury above the right knee.

“I received physiotherapy and saw their dietician, and I feel that my leg is getting stronger,” she said.

Ms Sakasa said that she has also been with the organisation for over a year. Her right leg was amputated above the knee.

“I was struggling in the beginning, though Zimele helped me cope, and I learned to do other things through rehabilitation,” she said. 

Zimele supporter, Ridhaa Davids, 35, from Kensington, whose left leg has been amputated for more than 16 years from a rugby injury, also supported the Zumba fund-raiser. He wears a prosthetic leg and is an ambassador for a company that provides prosthetic support.

“ Zimele does amazing work in giving their beneficiaries independence, and, myself being an amputee, they help aid us in what we can do and what we want to do,” he said.

Visit Zimele to find out more.