Two abandoned children at Maila need assistance

Poverty is a common occurrence in many deep rural villages in our province, but for two abandoned young children from Maila village, the struggle for survival has become just another tragedy to deal with.

The two, a Grade 9 pupil at Michael Denga High and his sister who is in Grade 7 at Masindi Primary, were left completely on their own when their mother took off without them and moved to Johannesburg three years ago.

Falling asleep on empty stomachs is a usual thing for these children, who live under desperately poor conditions. They share a small, one-room house and the door is a tattered old blanket. When the weather turns cold or rainy, they have no other choice but to ask neighbours for shelter. They have no beds and sleep on the cold, hard floor. The boy often skips meals when not enough food is available for both him and his sister.

The children have no proper school uniforms, shoes, or decent clothes to wear, and the sad thing is that they cannot see a light ahead for themselves anymore. The boy asked Limpopo Mirror to send his plea out to the community: “We need food, proper shelter, clothes and any other donations offered. We have suffered in silence for so long, and we try very hard to make ends meet, but our efforts are getting us nowhere and we have no-one to turn to for protection,” he said.

Vhamusanda Vho-David Nthabalala said he was aware of the two children’s plight. “We are in the process of identifying all villagers who have the same problems as the two. After completing the list, we will send it to the relevant authorities. The kids will be among those who need urgent assistance.”

Nthabalala said that for children to be nurtured was important, because they needed love and affection to grow up as responsible adults with good, strong morals and compassion for others too. “It’s hard to understand how life can be so harsh, especially to innocent kids who never committed a sin.”

Community members who wish to offer their help can visit the children at Maila village, or alternatively call 082 210 1208 or contact Vhamusanda Vho-Nthabalala at 082 741 0661.

Date:29 May 2021

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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