Destitute family needs help
Ms Ntombifuthi Mhlanga stays in one of the informal settlements in Sakhile with five children and her husband.
Poverty is rife in Sakhile and most families survive on child grants.
For many people going to town after payday is exciting, but for some going to town rarely happens, because they cannot afford to go and are unemployed.
Ms Ntombifuthi Mhlanga stays in one of the informal settlements in Sakhile with five children and her husband.
She is unemployed and her husband depends on piece jobs around town to provide for the family.
According to Ms Mhlanga, they moved to the informal settlement after they could not afford to pay rent where they were tenants and their landlord suggested they move to the informal settlement.
The family relies on child grants for survival and three of the children are in school, with one not in school.
“I look after the toddlers during the day and my other daughter is not in school because I cannot afford to take her to crèche as it is expensive,” she said.
She said she would love to work, but she cannot as her health is not good.
“Life is hard and I wish I can get a job but I can not because I am always sick.”
Ms Mhlanga wishes to send her other daughter to school as well, but cannot afford it.
“One day I will send her to school but for now I can’t,” she said. The family hopes to receive a RDP house one day and enjoy the same luxuries than most South Africans.
“I have been applying for a RDP and hope I get it one of these days,” Ms Mhlanga also said.
“The family lives in poverty and it’s hard to see young children growing up in such poverty.
“As South Africans we need to work and help each other and not watch each other suffer to break the cycle of poverty,” Mr Thabang Tsotetsi, Sakhile resident, said.
Ms Mhlanga’s children are between the ages of 18, 13, five, three and one.
Mr Eugene Komaan, community liaison officer of Sakhile Police, visited the family.
“I am concerned about the family and urge the community to make a difference and help disadvantaged families,” Mr Komaan said. People interested in helping the family with any form of donation, whether food or old clothes, can contact Mr Thokozani Ndhlovu at 078 315 1511 or Mr Eugene Komaan at 079 891 5004.
