Sisters appeal for proper shelter
The ailing Zanele and her elder sister, Ms Zodwa Ximba, are sharing a shack in the yard of an RDP house.
Every child has the dream of becoming somebody in life.
Ms Zanele Ximba (31) was one of those who did not receive a lucky break, after being told that one of her lungs was not functioning.
She had dreamt of becoming a nurse until the news was delivered to her from a doctor at the Johannesburg Hospital.
As a result, she is permanently attached to a machine that provides her with oxygen, enabling her to breathe.
“I stayed in hospital for six weeks, from November 23, 2011, to January 25, 2012. At first I thought I was suffering from an asthma attack,” said Zanele.
The ailing Zanele and her elder sister, Ms Zodwa Ximba, are sharing a shack in the yard of an RDP house.
Zanele and Zodwa, who are both originally from Empangeni in Kwazulu-Natal, moved to the area after their sister died in 2010.
The family saw their mother die in 1988, leaving behind six children and their father.
“Since we have been staying in this house our lives have been a living hell. We have suffered a lot of abuse, instigated by our young brother in-law, who want to see us removed from the property,” said Ms Zodwa.
They said they have approached Councillor Pearl Nodikane to intervene but her efforts were limited, as their situation was classified as a family matter.
“We are a family of six, five girls and one boy. I am the one who is responsible for the welfare of my sister, Zanele, and my daughter. I am a breadwinner,” said Ms Zodwa.
“We are appealing to government to assist us in getting a stand or an RDP house,” she said.
Anyone who is willing to assist can reach Ms Zodwa Ximba on 079 4574605 or Ms Zanele Ximba on 083 5048763.
