Simon Cloete

During a rugby season of 1989, I was injured in a match between our first and second school teams, which left me paralysed from the waist down. At the time of the injury I was in grade 11. Due to the seriousness of the injury I was transferred to Conradie Hospital in Cape Town where I started my treatment and rehabilitation.

This is where I first came into contact with the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund. Morne du Plessis (chairman of the Players Fund) and some of the rugby players from the Western Province Rugby Union also paid me a visit whilst I was in hospital. Needless to say from then onwards I was in constant contact with the Players’ Fund. After the completion of my rehabilitation I went back home to the Northern Cape (Springbok) with a special lightweight chair that was generously donated to me by the Fund.

I completed my matric in 1991 at ASTRA School for the Physically Challenged in Montana Cape Town and went back home. In the mid 90’s I moved permanently to Cape Town for health reasons as well as to enable me to further my studies. It was during this time that I development a keen interest in computers and more specifically, the Information Technology Sector. Seeking the opportunity to explore this, I approached the Fund for assistance to obtain a personal computer. Without hesitation the Fund donated a brand new PC and printer to me. This meant that I could actively purse my new found passion with dignity, self-believe and confidence.

In 1999, I started as a Technical Customer Representative at MWEB where I am still currently employed. When I started out at MWEB, I decided to do more self-learning in different IT fields. However this meant that I have to upgrade my PC in order to use certain software applications. I sent an email to Lynn Allan(General Manager of the Fund at the time) to explain the situation and a about week later the Fund deposited the money into my account. This enabled me to make the necessary upgrades to my PC. My ultimate goal is to become a Linux administrator.

In 2002 my mother relocated to Cape Town and I moved in with her and my two youngest brothers. Once again the Fund was on hand to make sure that I was comfortable in my new environment. The Chris Burger & Petro Jackson Fund has also donated at least 2 new wheelchairs to me to date. In addition to this the Fund also assists other beneficiaries and myself with medical supplies and other accessories like winter clothing.

I can truly say that the Chris Burger & Petro Jackson Players” Fund has played a big part in my life and success to date. It is still continuing to do so and for that I am grateful. A special word of thanks must also go to the sponsors of the Players Fund, because without their financial and other assistance the Fund would not be able to assist people like me and the other beneficiaries.