Manie Hendriks — a programmer at the Justice Department in Pretoria — has just 5% vision and relies on magnifying technology to do his job. On top of that, he travels every day from Blairgowrie to Pretoria and back, using a combination of Uber trips, buses and the Gautrain, despite his disability, relying on familiar shapes of buildings to know when it’s time to get off the bus, says the radio station. 

The Hot Cares department was contacted by his girlfriend, Erna, after she researched and found a specialised device that could potentially change Hendriks's life, adds the station. 

HOT 102.7FM says that the 'Hot Cares Christmas' team sent the station's Head of News, Tara Penny, to Blairgowrie, to investigate and break the good news to Hendriks, after linking up live with the HOT 1027 Breakfast team of Simon Parkinson, Bunny Majaja and Simon Hill in the studio.

As part of the 'Hot Cares Christmas,' the station says that it will be covering the cost of the eSight 4 enhanced vision device, to the tune of R149 000. 

Penny was on hand as Hendriks put the new device on for the first time and once it had warmed up, an incredible moment played out, as he saw his girlfriend Erna properly for the first time, adds the station. 

"Yes, I can see her," says Hendriks. "This is awesome. She's laughing and she's very beautiful. Thanks, guys. I can't thank you enough."

The 'Hot Cares Christmas' kicked off on Monday, 2 December and runs until Friday, 13 December, with four recipients assisted every day, across the station's four day-time shows, says HOT 102.7FM. 

"Manie's story is a reminder that many of us take certain tasks for granted, such as simple procedures like brushing our teeth, or making a cup of coffee, whilst reading price tags, menus and forms is something almost impossible for someone like him, making him a more than worthy 'Hot Cares Christmas' recipient," says Lloyd Madurai, Managing Director of HOT 102.7FM.

HOT 102.7FM says that it has raised R27.5-million in 12 and a half hours at its annual Teddython Hot Cares charity fundraiser in November. This has given Hot Cares the financial means with which to help all of its 'Hot Cares Christmas' recipients, along with its extensive work planned for 2025.

Hot Cares has a range of sustainable initiatives it supports, adds the station. 

HOT 102.7FM concludes that it runs a weekly soup kitchen for the homeless, helps develop crèches in informal settlements, runs food banks for those in need and have no income to feed their families, assists entrepreneurs and NPOs who require guidance, resources and awareness of their programmes, provides medical assistance, assists with educational bursaries for students and the upliftment of schools, supports various animal shelters and provides assistance to individuals who desperately need a helping hand. 

For more information, visit www.hot1027.co.za. You can also follow HOT 102.7FM on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor