Elderly man is in need of relatives

MBOMBELA – The miserable life of a 76-year-old man who lives alone in a dilapidated shack near a farm in Schagen, has touched many lives and hence the search for his relatives.

Mr Elliot Mfaleni Dladla, begs for food near the local shops and neighbourhood, and even does piece jobs for a plate of food.

He apparently came to the farm with a woman he was in love with years ago, but she left him.

“He has been living by himself since then. He has no one to look after him and his health is deterioting daily, hence we want to help him reunite with his family if they are still alive. An elderly person needs to be taken care of as they are a fountain of knowledge and have played a major role in the country’s independence,” said members of the community.
According to a community development worker, Mr Zack Matsebula,

Dladla alleged that he originated from around Sheepmore between Ermelo and Piet Retief, as well as Dennilton in the Nkangala District Municipality. “Can people assist us in finding the relatives of this fellow
countryman who seemingly lost contact with his family. He is sick and weak. He can’t even prepare food for himself,”said Matsebula.

Ward 12’s Cllr Crestinah Mafotha said she was aware of the matter and their plan was to help find the man’s immediate family, if possible. There were plans to build him an RDP house, however, it would be difficult if he lived alone as an elderly person.

Enquiries: Zack Matsebula on
076-493-0338.