Epilepsy SA centres boosted by donation of oxygen equipment  

The Gauteng branch of Epilepsy South Africa, based in Springs, received a donation of oxygen machines from mining and construction company Epiroc on Friday.

The machines were handed over to the organisation’s assistant director, Hans Tjege, who expressed gratitude for the support.

Tjege said the donation comes at a critical time, as the organisation has been struggling to secure funds to maintain its health facility.

“Our plea for assistance was truly heard. We reached out to media outlets to highlight our lack of funding,” said Tjege.

He added that while some machines are usually purchased with donations from patients’ families, they often do not last long and are difficult to repair or replace.

“These new machines will be used by the 180 residents at both our centres, including the one in Daggafontein. Each patient will be assessed to determine how the machines can assist them,” he said.

Tjege credited the organisation’s public relations officer for generating the visibility that drew the attention of the media and corporate donors.

“As an organisation, we have a wish list that we share with potential donors. They can choose what they’d like to contribute, and some even approach us directly to ask how they can help,” he said.

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Ziyanda Mkhaliphi, a regional corporate and social responsibility manager for Epiroc, told the Springs Advertiser that the company’s desire is to make a meaningful and potentially life-saving contribution.

She said that the caregivers at the centre will have peace of mind since they will know that a first-aid response is near them.

Mkhaliphi added that the oxygen machines can also be used when applying emergency seizure responses and to help high-risk patients.

“Although oxygen is not a treatment for seizures and is only a supportive therapy, we felt it would be beneficial for Epilepsy SA to have some units available.”