Metro should help gogo
The story of Gogo Mirriam Radebe in the October 9 issue of Kathorus MAIL is tragic and sad.
What is even more touching about this old lady’s story is that although she is poor, she has not burdened the municipality with her troubles by registering as an “indigent”. Even though people are poor, not many anticipate such disaster to befall them at any given time, even though they know it is possible.
Here is an elderly citizen from our metro who has experienced a disaster in her family and she cannot get help from the municipality. What kind of message is this sending to our children who expect the authorities to be leading by example?
ALSO READ:
Gogo celebrates 115th birthday
South Africa is supposed to be a Christian country and yet we would rather someone lived on the streets and in the open air than help them. These acts of neglect and uncaring attitudes by our officials cascade down from the government into homes.
Repairing Gogo Radebe’s fire-damaged house will not bankrupt the City of Ekurhuleni and will instead show the authority’s empathy and earn the metro respect. Even if the municipality does not repair the entire house to its original condition, but at least do it in such a way that you restore her dignity and that of her sickly brother – both of whom are deserving citizens.
Wandile Mthembu
Nhlapho Section
Katlehong
Follow us on these social media platforms:
