Granny from eMbalenhle asks help for her dying daughter’s children

A dying woman urgently needs to buy school uniforms and other school necessities for her six children but cannot afford them.

The mother of the children, Refiloe, is terminally ill with stage 4 cancer.

At her wits’ end, Rifiloe’s mother and granny to the six children, Nomvula Motaung, reached out to Ridge Times in their hour of need.

Refiloe was first diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, but the cancer has since spread throughout her body.

“When she first fell ill, a local doctor conducted tests and diagnosed her with breast cancer. During the hard lockdown, Steve Biko Hospital was turned into a Covid-19 pandemic hospital and we could not take Refiloe to their cancer ward,” said Nomvula.

“Because the cancer was spreading so fast, the doctor booked her in at Kalafong Hospital.”

When Nomvula recently returned to Kalafong Hospital with Refiloe for another check-up, they received the devastating news that cancer has spread further, including to Refiloe’s brain.

“Doctors wanted to refer Refiloe to a hospice for the terminally ill, but she refused. Refiloe wants to spend the time she has left with her children. This is why she is now at home,” explained Nomvula.

Refiloe can no longer walk and is wheelchair-bound.

Nomvula is heartbroken about her daughter, but she remains a pillar of strength for her grandchildren. They are in her care along with Refiloe.

“These children are facing many challenges and are going through a difficult time,” she said.

Nomvula is also stressed about money and the children’s future.

“I am a pensioner and cannot afford school uniforms and the necessary school supplies for the five children who are at school,“ she explained.

The oldest is a 16-year-old boy, a learner at Vaalrivier School in Standerton.

The other children, aged 13, 10, 8, and 6 are in different schools in eMbalenhle.

The youngest is five years old and not yet in school.

Anyone who wants to help may contact Nomvula on 068 439 2798.