A destitute family of 24, including children, has been a ‘real’ house to live in thanks to big-hearted Preshu Singh and his team.
Known more for his exploits on the spinning track as part of the 360 Boyz, Preshu showed his softer side when he responded to a call for help from Mayor Mahaye’s office after a six-year-old. Lindokuhle Khoza, following a brief illness some weeks ago.
While Preshu, his wife, Octavia and other friends assisted in paying for a coffin, the burial and groceries for the funeral, they were shocked when they found that ‘Gogo’ Khoza lived in a leaking, mud shack on Indumeni farm, outside Sibongile.
“It was the Gogo, eight children and 15 children. No one in the home was gainfully employed. Kids were sleeping on the floor. When it rained, water poured through the roof. We think that is what caused the little girl to fall sick,” Preshu told the Courier.
It did not take Preshu to motivate sponsors to come aboard and with the help of friend and contractor, Desmond Kemp, they built a proper house for the family in only eight days.
“We used real blocks, roofing material and windows. The Khoza family could not believe their eyes. Next came the furniture which was also kindly sponsored.”
Preshu plans to build up to 20 houses a year ‘for those with an acute need’.
“You see the children sleeping on a cold floor and your heart goes out. No one should live like that in this country.”
Preshu made special mention of the sponsors that included Chan’s Transport, Docrat’s, Ace Hardware, Haniff (furniture), Rihaz Vawda, Sizabantu Hardware, Ismail’s Trading Store, Charlem, Hola Fashions, Paint Centre and NDE Glass.