Palm Ridge Pastor who helps hundreds now needs life-saving help

In the heart of Palm Ridge Ext 9, where unpaved roads wind through quiet neighbourhoods and gospel music fills the air, one man has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and generosity.

Pastor Israel Molefe (46), a father of three and community leader, faces a battle on two critical fronts: a dangerously failing pacemaker and a recent diagnosis of skin cancer. After years of helping others, Molefe is now the one in urgent need of assistance.

A life defined by struggle and service

Molefe’s life took a tragic turn in 2003 when he was involved in a serious road accident on his first day working as an assistant at a delivery company.

According to Molefe, the truck, en route to Tzaneen and Phalaborwa, crashed due to faulty brakes. He was left in a wheelchair for several years and unable to claim compensation from the Road Accident Fund because the vehicle’s licence had expired.

Despite the setback, he slowly regained the ability to walk and began working as a domestic helper in Boksburg. His employer recognised his potential and helped him secure a position as a cleaner in Benoni South.

“In 2008, personal stress led to a heart attack. I required a pacemaker, which was fitted at a private hospital. Remarkably, the hospital costs were paid by a stranger battling kidney cancer. He died shortly after, and I thank him sincerely,” he said.

In 2018, Molefe developed a skin condition, initially misdiagnosed as eczema. He began experiencing blackouts and was advised by doctors to stop working. In 2019, his condition worsened, culminating in a severe asthma attack. He still relies on two inhalers daily.

Yet, despite his deteriorating health, Molefe’s commitment to others remained unshaken. In 2021, alongside local volunteers, he launched the Tsetsi Sibuyisa Ubuntu Foundation, aimed at uplifting the local community.
Using a wheelbarrow, he began distributing food, clothes, blankets, and shoes to those in need including schoolchildren.

In 2022, his health briefly improved, and he was cleared by doctors to return to work. However, later that same year, he was involved in a second car accident. His vehicle was written off in a head-on collision.

Despite the crash, he returned to using his wheelbarrow to continue his charity work, showing unrelenting dedication to his mission.

Health in crisis

In 2023, a routine follow-up for his skin condition revealed the true diagnosis: skin cancer.

Around the same time, specialists also warned that his pacemaker battery was critically low, operating at just 10% and could fail by December 2025.

“The hospital has tried everything it can to help me, but they’re running out of options. I went for a check-up last December and they confirmed that the pacemaker is nearly at its end,” Molefe said.

The replacement procedure must be done privately at the same hospital where the original operation took place. The cost is R37 000, a sum far beyond Molefe’s means.

A call for help

Through the Tsetsi Sibuyisa Ubuntu Foundation, Molefe has helped hundreds of residents in Palm Ridge and beyond, focusing on unity, peace, and compassion, particularly in times of community unrest.

Now, the man who once uplifted so many is reaching out for help.

“I never stopped giving, even when I had nothing. Now I’m asking, please, help me continue this mission,” he said.

Molefe is appealing to the public to help fund the replacement pacemaker. Any contributions, large or small, will go directly towards the life-saving operation that could allow him to continue his service.

Donations can be made via:

Bank: Capitec Bank

Account number: 2162 515 411 OI Molefe

Reference: Pacemaker

For more information, contact Pastor Molefe on 0736 708 665.