Project information
Getting back into life, after an accident, an illness or other reason is essential. Small tools can make a huge difference to the people affected and all people around them. Rollators contribute hugely to a faster recovery from all type of physical weakness, allowing people to gain back important independence.
We observed a massive change in motivation and mobility when family members or friends were provided with a rollator, which is, a basic standard tool, in our privileged society in Europe.
Visiting South Africa, a country where I lived many years, we noticed that availability to rollators is limited and general access is difficult (according to income group and region).
A basic research quickly confirmed that providing access to rollators to all people in South Africa will not only make a difference to the wellbeing and independence of the user, but can also positively contribute to sustainable economic development.
Affordable rollators must be provided to economically disadvantaged people. The purchase of these rollators will be subsidized.
We are aiming at the import of 580 rollators in the first phase of project. If these rollators are distributed according to our needs assessment, we will be able to import further and greater numbers, reaching out into further regions in South Africa.
We are planning to set up a cooperative, giving all new "owners" of rollators in South Africa the option to become members of this movement. The idea is, to grow the cooperative in such a manner, that the Western Cape will be a starting point for the whole of Africa.
Project steps:
1. Research - including market research. - Done
2. Mapping out distribution channels - Done.
3. Identifying potential local partners in the health sector - Done
4. Purchase of first container of Rollators and import - offer is on the table, order needs to be placed as soon as we got the money together.
5. Admin/Import strategies worked out - Done.
6. Registering the Cooperative in South Africa - when fundraising is successful
7. Starting the website of the project – Domain has been purchased. Website design to follow.
8. Prepare all marketing articles, flyers, posters etc. - in the pipeline
9. Link up to partners and promote project.
10. Collect pre-orders. Establish cluster distribution channels according to interest.
12. Launch project officially with first handing over of rollator.
13. Order second shipment - depending on demand.
14. Further strategic project planning and fundraising.
15. Evaluation of Pilot Project Phase and future outlook.
16. Publication of findings and summary on website.
Each standard rollator costs approximately ZAR 1.600,00, which is half the net monthly salary of many unskilled people in South Africa. This, of course, makes the purchase of the tool out of reach to this group. Subsidizing and offering the rollator at approximately ZAR 800,00 per piece, an average family will be more likely to have access to the helping equipment.
Once people are back on their feet, they will have the first option of returning the rollator for cash. The returned rollators will be checked and sold for "less" to people, who will not be able to raise the ZAR 800,00 for a new rollator.
Make the project “Rollators4Africa” become true and provide access to rollators to disadvantaged people in South Africa.
