Father of cholera victim speaks out

The father of a 24-year-old man from Emandleni in Wattville, who the National Department of Health said was the first confirmed patient to die of cholera in the country, said he feels his son did not die from the disease.

The patient’s mother, according to the department, died before her son, but whether this was from cholera remains unconfirmed. However, spokesperson for the Department of Health Foster Mohale said the son’s case was confirmed as cholera through tests.

Speaking exclusively to Benoni City Times, Sifiso Mazibuko said he was puzzled when he heard cholera had killed his son because his son’s doctor did not mention anything about cholera.

“When he was admitted to hospital, the doctor told us that his kidneys were blocked and he had high blood pressure and cholesterol.

“We were told he needs to be admitted to hospital because of his condition,” he explained. But Mazibuko has questioned why the disease targeted his home because the family only uses tap water from their neighbour.

“Everyone in their household is healthy, yet we all consumed the same water.

“When I listen to the news on the radio or television, hearing claims that my son died of cholera, it pains me because it is a constant reminder that my wife and son are dead,” he said.

The father said he consulted a traditional healer, and because of what he was told, they suspect foul play in his son’s death. Mazibuko said that before his wife, who was a traditional healer, died, she visited a dam near Apex to conduct a cleansing ceremony with her clients.

When the City Times asked him if his son was among the people at the cleansing ceremony, he said he was not aware that he was. Shortly after this cleansing ceremony, his wife became ill with stomach cramps and headaches and was unable to walk or talk. She died within a week.

“If my wife supposedly drank water at the dam, why was her trainee traditional healer also affected? He was not at the same ceremony with her.

“The trainee was also admitted to hospital shortly after my wife became ill. He came to the house reporting that he was vomiting what looked like cow dung but was black.

” The father said the trainee is still in hospital. And before my son went to hospital, he also complained about pains in his stomach and a headache,” he said.

“He also vomited a black substance and bled through his nose when in hospital. The symptoms were similar to the trainee’s.”

The father said he is sometimes overwhelmed by emotions.

Also Read: Wattville man first recorded cholera death in the country

“It’s still unbelievable that my son and wife are dead. Burying your loved ones on two respective Saturdays is not a good experience,” said Mazibuko.

On March 2 and 3, the City Times visited the Emandleni and Harry Gwala informal settlements. Some residents said they have experienced stomach cramps and nausea over the past few weeks, but that they were unaware of the cholera death and outbreak.

While in the area, the City Times couldn’t help but notice the poor living conditions. With more than 1 000 shacks, the two areas, which are close to each other, have an overpowering stench of sewage, and it is visible on the streets.

The area is also plagued with illegal connections.

Residents in Harry Gwala have to share a few chemical toilets and a street tap. In Emandleni, some residents have illegally connected water in their yards.

When visiting the area, we had to park in a resident’s yard and walk because of the poor state of the roads.

Environmental Health practitioners recently embarked on a roadshow in Emandleni to educate people about cholera, and water samples from the area were submitted for testing.

Also Read: Health Department confirms sixth cholera case