The tragic drowning of a 75-year-old grandmother in Groutville has made children who receive meals at the Enduduzweni Community Care Centre each day afraid to cross the Umvoti River.

The gogo’s body was found floating at the river crossing by her 10-year-old grandson last week.

Her death has deeply affected the community’s children, most of whom are now afraid to go near the river, preventing them from getting to the care centre for their daily meals and other services. The Melville-based centre provides meals to 158 orphans and vulnerable children.

The grandmother had over 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren under her care, providing vital support as most of the children’s mothers are unemployed.

During the Courier’s visit to the household last Thursday, centre manager Mondli Ngema attempted to intervene by suggesting the children accompany him to the river to overcome their fear, but many began to cry.

This reaction highlights the urgent need for emotional and mental support.

“We are actively seeking professional support to provide trauma counselling to help them process the experiences and alleviate their fears,” said Ngema.

He said sometimes the children are forced to risk crossing the river to get food.

“One day it was pouring with rain and we thought none of them would come. To our surprise, we saw them standing outside saying ‘malume silambile’ (uncle, we are hungry),” said Ngema.

He is deeply concerned about the children’s reluctance to now cross the river, fearing they will now take the longer and more dangerous R102 route.

The centre’s children range from three years old to teenagers, making this an urgent safety issue.

To ensure the children from across the Umvoti River can still gain access to their daily meals and services, the centre is requesting assistance with transportation.

“We are considering off-site feeding. We need a canopy for the project manager, fuel and containers and pots for food storage. Another alternative is to build a mobile kitchen across the river so these kids will not have to cross the river again. The mobile kitchen will need to be fully equipped and have a designated cook,” said Ngema.

Anyone wishing to become involved and assist can contact him at 081 725 8732

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