Good Samaritans revamp house

It was a wrap when the Ramokonopi community members and Mitambo Sports Academy (MSA) finished the Mandela Day project after finally receiving paint to revamp mkhulu Pieter Motaung’s home on August 28.

The project was initiated on July 18 but could not be completed because MSA could not source paint donations until the Ward 59 ANC leaders intervened.

They painted the inside and outside of Motaung’s four-room house with help from volunteers.

Ward 59 ANC chairperson Frans Ranku said they asked for assistance from Bassiane’s Market Pick n Pay franchise on Sontonga Road, Ramokonopi West.

“We assist in different areas in our community. In the case of mkhulu, some community members approached me to explain his condition. We then went to the house to access it after that communication.

“I spoke to PnP Ramokonopi, and we arranged a date and went to paint,” said Ranku.

Ward 59 ANC Clr Khumbulle Msimanango previously told Kathorus MAIL that more needed to be done to understand and help Motaung with his challenges. He added that they had to involve the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Ramokonopi Clinic.

Ranku said he had already engaged with the nurses and social workers, and the councillor was engaging the DSD.

“We are looking at helping other senior citizens in a similar situation like Motaung. We are capturing data of the elderly and disabled people,” he said.

Executive director of MSA Yvonne Zuma said they were grateful they completed the project.

“It was not an easy project, but our working relationship with the councillor and the chairperson ensured we succeeded. We could not have achieved this without Msimanango, Ranku and Bassiane’s Market Pick n Pay. We appreciate their support,” said Zuma.

Motaung said the support he received from various stakeholders and the Ramokonopi residents had shown him he was not alone.