Fluffy slippers to the rescue!
An uMhlanga domestic worker has been making slippers as a means to raise funds for her son’s much-needed treatment following a freak accident.
WHEN a stray rock struck nine-year-old Khalihle Mpungose in the face, his life was changed within an instant. The rock, aimed at a passing vehicle, blinded him in his left eye.
Not only was the young boy partially robbed of his sight, but his mother, Nelly Makama, who works as domestic worker in uMhlanga, also faced the challenge of paying for his treatment and recovery. With surgery and a bi-weekly treatments scheduled for Mpungose, the bills were quickly adding up.
However, through sheer determination, Makama and her employer, Melissa Gibson, raised R19 000 to fund the boy’s long road to recovery.
Upon meeting the duo recently, the Northglen News learnt how 39-year-old Makama used her hidden talent of making colourful crochet slippers to raise the much-needed funds.
“Shortly after the incident, Nelly showed me some of the slippers she had made. I was so impressed that I shared them onto my personal Facebook profile. I quickly received so many comments and requests. So I decided to share the post onto the Durban North Buy and Sell as well as the Durban North Neighbours page. Since then my phone has gone mental,” said an elated Gibson.
The post has been shared over 7 000 times and has raked in over 200 orders, amounting to R19 000 for Makama.
“In one day we received 160 orders, and when I told her the news she just sunk down to her knees – totally excited and overwhelmed. The community’s response has been incredible. One lady even donated 17 rolls of wool, while former South African citizens living in the United Kingdom simply donated money. We have had to temporarily stop the orders to allow Nelly some time to make the slippers,” added Gibson.
“I did not expect this at all. I am just so excited. I learned the skill through a neighbour in Swaziland,” said Makama. She said she hoped to expand to making blankets and arm-rest-decorations.
The mother, who also hails from Swaziland, said doctors are hopeful that they will be able to restore her son’s sight.
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