Young blind woman from eMbalenhle needs help
“Because I was young, no one believed me when I said I am diabetic and have high blood pressure. It was left too late and now I am blind.”
Martha Nkema (26), from eMbalenhle, turned blind when she was just 22 years old.
Her parents were still alive then and took her to a doctor who examined her. He diagnosed her with diabetes and high blood pressure.
Nkema’s parents have since died so she has never been able to apply for an identity document.
“I need assistance to get an ID. That will make it easier for me to apply for a disability grant.
“Currently, I survive by begging for food and other things. Sometimes I go to bed hungry,” explained Nkema.
She always thought that people were either born blind or turned blind when they became old. That was until she lost her sight.
“I realised you can become blind at any age.”
Nkema encourages young people to take good care of their health. This way they can avoid any disabilities that could be caused by their negligence or ignorance.
“Because I am young, no one believed me when I said I am diabetic and have high blood pressure. It was left too late, and now I am blind.
“Many people think those (diabetes and high blood pressure) are old people’s illnesses, not young people,” said Nkema.
She asked that anyone who can assist her contact her on 076 291 1135.
