 | Thandi Ntombela - initiated the school when she realized the needs of the other disabled children in Mpophomeni. They were not being appropriately cared for or stimulated by their parents because the families didn’t understand their children’s needs. Disability was seen as something to keep behind closed doors, and this lead to abuse and neglect of the children. The small government grants available for disabled children don’t often reach these children, many don’t have birth certificates. Thandi is committed to her care centre and helping families of the disabled. Despite being offered work in factories for a good salary she never accepts, she just asks "who will look after my children?". |
The children at Inkanyiso all suffer from one or more disabilities. Despite their tender age those who are more able take on responsibilities to help the other children less fortunate than themselves, always with a smile on their face.
 | Sphanndla Khumalo - 12 years, intellectually challenged |
 | Nkosinathi Zuma – has down syndrome and is paralysed down the one side of his body, but loves to kick the ball, dance, climb the rope net on the jungle gym, all of which is encouraged as this will help to develop his muscles better. He is a very happy boy. |
 | Mduduzo Shangase - has been unable to walk since birth, and has been at the centre since it opened. Since receiving help from the physiotherapists he can now take a few steps on his own. He is reliant on the one walker at the centre to move around, he shares this with Kulekani. Kulekani has poor speech and also is unable to walk, but Thandi says he loves his food that he gets at the centre. |
 | Mphothiswa Galo - intellectually challenged |
 | LuyondaGalo - 15 years, intellectually challenged |
 | Lebo Zakwe - 15 years, intellectually challenged |
 | Asanda Zuma - 1 year and 7 months, is physically challenged. She is completely autistic and cannot see or hear and does not respond at all to his surroundings. He has to sit in a cushioned cot for his own protection. |
 | Thondolwetha Mkhasibe - 2 years, is physically challenged, can not walk. |
 | Mantwa Molefe - 5 years, physically challenged with spinal bifida - she can't walk |
 | Thulile Moraro - 6 years, intellectually and speech challenged |
Thabani Majozi - crebral palsied - can't walk
 | Khulekani Ngubane - 9 years, speech & hearing and can't walk |
 | Sisanda Mkhize - 4 years, speech |
 | Sinoye Mtshali - 4 years, Intellectually challenged and speech & hearing impaired |
 | Anele Dlangamandla - 4 years, cerebral palsied, lost an eye because of Cancer |
Mnealigi Ntumba - 8 years, intellectually challenged - no speech
Siyamthanda Dlamini - 4 years, severely cerebral palsied
The children don't enjoy the holidays and cry to come back early but Thandi feels that the helpers all need time off. She herself uses this time to visit homes and assess children in their homes, offers help and guidance to parents and families.
Among the help received from professionals is a meal plan drawn up by a dietitian indicating what each child should receive each day, such as porridge, milk, bread, veggies, and fruit. But in reality the children are lucky to receive a bowl of watery porridge with some sugar daily. Thandi has started a veggie garden to remedy this and everyone helps with the maintentance.
 | Thandanani Nene - is a little girl of about 4 or 5 years old with a speech problem, she is retarded and needs to be referred on after an initial assessment at Inkanyiso. |
 | Sabela - mental and speech disability |
 | Ntombi - Legs are coming right and Thandi hopes she will be accepted into a school this coming year |
 | New Child - info to follow |
 | New Child - info to follow |
 | Sfundo - Legs are different lengths |
 | New Child - info to follow |
 | Thembiso - Legs disabled |
 | Nolwazi - Hyperactive |
 | Joyce Nonhlanthla - was born with Downs Syndrome, but is the happiest and most friendly of all the children. She loves music and dancing. |
