A Gr. 9 Resolofetse Secondary School learner was on the verge of leaving school because of the daily taunts by other learners because of his worn out and old uniform, when a businessman in town intervened.
David (18) and the businessman, Farhad Moosajee (46) of Mohamed Family Outfitters crossed paths when the Herald conveyed the plight of the young boy and his family.
The Herald asked Farhad for assistance to put a smile on the face of the learner from Ext. 11 whose family are struggling to make ends meet. They are facing a mountain of problems and hardship.
David is the son of Frans and Matshidiso Mareka who walked from Ext. 11 to ask for assistance after being ignored by their ward councillor.
Frans says there hasn’t been any income at home since last year. His old-age grant was stopped after he could not produce his stolen marriage certificate.
‘We have been struggling with Home Affairs for months because they cannot find a copy of our marriage certificate in their system. My wife is also unemployed.’ The couple got married on 21 February 1989.
Frans says he used to have a grass cutter that he used for menial jobs in the community but that was also stolen, leaving the family stranded.
‘Right now, we do not have any food or electricity,’ says a tearful mother.
When the Herald entered the store with the family, Farhad warmly welcomed us and asked the store assistants, Aletta Motsamai and Marenda More to assist the boy.
The philanthropic store owner says Islam teaches him to give back to the community. ‘There’s more reward in giving than receiving. It gives me a feeling of gratitude to the Almighty for giving me the ability to help other people,’ he said. He adds that the store donates school uniforms to schools in Ikageng and Promosa every year.
Marenda and Aletta were touched as they assisted the boy in fitting his new uniform. ‘Circumstances like this are burdensome and prevents a child from focussing on his studies,’ says Marenda. Aletta says it is heart-breaking that privileged learners poke fun at the impoverished ones. ‘It is about time that the mayor assists the poorest of the poor in our community,’ she said sternly.
The boy could not stop smiling as he tried on his uniform. He could only utter, ‘Thank you, I will work hard in school’, after a brief motivational talk from the two women.
‘When you think of stepping out of line, think about your background and where you come from,’ said Marenda.
*Anyone who can assist the family with food or anything else should contact Selogile Leshage at 071 917 3964
