The Simelane family is in dire need of a place to call home. This family of 10 lives in three dilapidated shacks in Matsulu B’s new extension, Marikana.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Goodness Simelane said none of them are employed or receive a social grant, and they only survive from the little they earn from piece jobs.
The family consists of Goodness, her three siblings and their four children, aged between one and 12, her father and his wife. She said she and her siblings had not finished school. Her father repairs shoes.
“It was very difficult for all of us to go to school hungry and come back to suffer from hunger some more. We opted to find piece jobs instead of going to school.”
One of the shacks accommodates her father and his wife separately, for their privacy. However, she said they cannot afford a door for the shack, and use a corrugated iron sheet as a partition.
“We utilise the other two rooms for ourselves and our children, which is not conducive at all. We managed to erect these shacks from our little earnings. We bought some materials for building and also received donations from neighbours after they had finished their building projects.”
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Goodness said a challenge they face is to constantly ask the neighbours to allow their children to sleep over, and sometimes to prepare the 12-year-old to go to school.
“We do not have a kitchen. We cook outside. As one can imagine, it becomes difficult to cook outside when it is raining or windy.”
She said to survive, they ask to do their neighbours’ laundry or to clean for them for money.
The family was identified by a concerned community member, Vuyisile Ngomane. She said she always helps the family with whatever she can. She called for more help from businesses and community members on social media.
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“It is disheartening to see people who still live in poor conditions like this family. I asked everyone to share a Facebook post about their living conditions, which has attracted some people who are willing to donate building materials.
“I do not know how they manage to survive living in these shacks during winter and rainy seasons. I believe the Matsulu community will unite to help the family,” Ngomane said.
For donations, contact Goodness on 076 541 2684 or Ngomane on 076 344 3148.
