Community bids farewell to sweet Smanga after drowning tragedy
A memorial day will be held next week, coupled with the planting of a vegetable garden at the home.
The heartbreaking story of the missing, 11-year-old autistic boy whose body was found after an intense community search effort has left a mark on the Dolphin Coast.
In the true spirit of the Rainbow Nation, people from all walks of life united as they said goodbye to Smangaliso Madula, fondly known as Smanga, at the funeral service held in Mandeni by his family last Sunday.
The search for Smanga, who went missing from the Inqolobane Children’s Home last week, saw volunteers pouring in wearing gumboots and raincoats as they trekked through the cold rain and mud with the K9 Unit, Community Policing Forum and IPSS Medical Rescue.
Also read: Body of missing autistic boy found – Stanger
After searching until about 10pm on Tuesday, the day of his disappearance, and starting the next morning at 7am again, Smanga’s body was finally found in a neglected swimming pool of a neighboring dilapidated farmhouse that afternoon.
While Stanger SAPS are investigating further, the community are still vested in the story and want to raise funds to help address the home’s needs.
One of the women involved in the fundraiser is Vision 153’s Nelia Hulin who said they will be holding a memorial day on Saturday, November 3 for Smanga coupled with the planting of a vegetable garden at the home.
“We are trying to protect the traumatised caregivers and children who just need a time of mourning and some space at the moment.
“Life is over-whelming for the special needs children as is, so this is a very difficult time for them. We appreciate all the help we can get, but ask that people who would like to get involved please contact us via email or simply attend on the memorial day,” said Hulin.
If you would like to get involved, send a mail to inqolobanehome@gmail.com
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