Gogo Photo lives in very bad conditions
Neighbours of the 82-year-old Gogo Photo who lives in a two room shack ask the public to help change her situation.
eMBALENHLE – As people were watching Madiba’s memorial service in the comfort of their homes, couches next to heaters and beds, Gogo Pauline Photo (82) was listening on her small radio while sleeping on a wet bed and blankets as the rain was pouring into her shack at Extension 20 on Tuesday, 10 December.
Gogo Photo is living with her two grandchildren in a two room shack.
She has been living there since the late 90’s after the death of all her three children.
Life has never been easy for her, because she is ill and is depending on her pension to get medication and to support her grandchildren.
When the Ridge Times visited Gogo, we found her sitting in a crate with a blanket on top drinking aMaheu in a muddy kitchen and with water in her shack.
She does not have electricity and proper toilet facilities.
Gogo Photo said: “I am so hopeless and am waiting for the day when I can join my forefathers.
“All my children are dead and I do not have anyone to help me.
“I am living in water and mud and it is affecting my health.
“I do not have money to fix my house and my grandson who usually helps me, lost his job.
“I now depend on my neighbour and I have given them my important documents, such as my ID, because I am afraid the water might spoil them.”
Ms Nomadlozi Mavuso, a neighbour, said: “Gogo is living in bad conditions.
“In winter she suffers from the cold, and in summer from the rain.
“We have tried to help with the little we have, but we cannot afford to give what Gogo Photo needs the most, a better shelter.
“We hear that Gogo has many needy grandchildren, but we only know the two, the rest do not bother.
“We ask the public to help Gogo.”
Mr July Vilakazi, a neighbour, is trying to mobilise a team of donors to help Gogo Photo.
“We want to help Gogo Photo, but we cannot do that alone.
“We all deserve to live in a secure and safe place.
“My concern is not only for Gogo Photo’s health, but also her safety.
“We are living in a dangerous area and her shack does not have a proper door.
“Let us unite and help those who cannot help themselves.”
Contact Mr Vilakazi at 071 617 5588.
