The South African Red Cross Society (Etwatwa branch), together with the Etwatwa SAPS and local doctor Palesa Conco, joined hands to renovate Smangele Gama’s RDP house in Mkhalazenke, Daveyton.
The 59-year-old was welcomed back to her house after the renovations recently.
Red Cross Etwatwa child and youth care worker Jabu Peterson said he has been visiting the Gama family for a few years and their living conditions were not suitable for a human being.
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“The family didn’t have furniture, food or clothes and I saw the need to lend a helping hand,” said Peterson.
“I then went to the police and other stakeholders to try and get assistance.”
Peterson said he is very happy that everyone joined hands to assist the family.
Gama stays with her daughter, Thandi, and five grandchildren.
Etwatwa SAPS spokesperson Capt Ramothakhi Maqabe said when they assessed Gama’s situation they found that a loan shark has taken her Sassa card and she wasn’t able to get her grant.
“However, as the police we saw it as important for us to help as we are also parents and we don’t want criminals to take advantage of children,” said Maqabe.
“We wanted to restore hope in the children as they are our future leaders.”
Maqabe added there is hope beyond poverty and children are a priority.
“The community is always welcome to come to us with their problems and we will assist them where we can.”
The police were able to retrieve Gama’s Sassa card.
The good Samaritans repainted the house, cleaned the yard, put in new flooring and fixed the doors, toilet and illegal electricity connections.
Capt Joseph Sithole from Etwatwa SAPS donated a fridge, stove and washing machine and Conco provided medical assistance to Gama.
Gama said she was happy and speechless.
“I thank God for having a caring and supportive community,” she said.
“May they continue to lend a helping hand to more people who are in need.”
The family is still in need of clothes for children between the ages of six months to seven years, beds, wardrobes, educational toys, kitchen utilities and a coal stove.
To donate contact Peterson on 071 377 2493 or the Etwatwa SAPS on 011 746 8900 or drop off the items at 1352 Nawa Street, Etwatwa.
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