KANYAMAZANE – The news of the death of a well-known generous woman known for her acts of kindness and giving heart, Ms Badanile Zulu-Reeds aka Make Zuka (Five Cents), left many citizens in utter disbelief.
Make Zuka born on May 5, 1965 died on March 23 while undergoing treatment at Mediclinic Nelspruit’s intensive-care unit which she had been admitted to after collapsing while attending the State of the Province Address (Sopa).
She attained her name years ago through her initiative of collecting five cents for a worthy cause. She had brought smiles to thousands of schoolchildren whom she had bought uniforms for with the coins she had collected.
Earlier this year she told Mpumalanga News what her resolutions for 2015 were and said this was a year of blessings. She was determined to continue with her hobby of collecting five-cent coins with the help of the community to buy school uniforms for needy learners in her community.
She had hoped to touch many lives this year and her dreams also included the opening of a drop-in centre which she called “Make Zuka Gives Hope Drop-in Centre”, where she had hoped to provide daily meals to destitute families. She believed that providing food for the needy, especially children, would help in the fight against crime committed by young people, due to hunger and poverty.
Her favourite quote was “Me and you can stop the rain of poverty and bring sunshine to many”.
This year also started on a high note for Make Zuka as she was honoured for her generosity with an award by the MEC for education, Ms Reginah Mhaule.
“This award is not mine per se but it belongs to the community for their continual support of giving out five-cent coins and the media for their continual support to this campaign.”
She also expressed her appreciation to Ligwalagwala FM’s Kusile Breakfast Show aired by DJ Madumane, and Mpumalanga News for supporting and promoting her adventures.
Her work spoke volumes and may all those close to her, including her family, children and the community be comforted in this time.
Make Zuka’s memorial service was held on Thursday at the Mngwenya College.
She will be laid to rest today (Saturday).
May her Soul Rest in Peace.
