Somerset Park resident appeals for help for Melmoth family
Dora Nkwanyana said her heart was touched by the plight of a family living in Melmoth, so much so, she wanted to make a difference to their lives.
FOR the last six years, Somerset Park resident, Dora Nkwanyana has been doing her bit to help the less fortunate.
Through her NPO – the Qalakahle Women’s Club – the retired businesswoman has not only fed community members of Empangeni but also taught them various skills.
Nkwanyana helps sew and send underwear to the underprivileged community.
Dora is now on a mission to help a Melmoth family whose story has captured her heart. Ntando Xulu, who is 18-years-old was injured five years ago while sitting in the back of a trailer being towed by a tractor. He was among a group of young boys playing.
Tragedy struck as the trailer tipped over as the tractor turned a corner; several of the boys were flung out. Ntando at the time injured his back and legs and was able to walk off the accident.
It wasn’t until a week later the youngster lost feeling in his lower limbs leaving him unable to stand or support himself. Xulu, who is cared for by his grandmother and mother, lives life on the ground and has lost a large part of his childhood due to the injury and to a large extent lost his mobility.
“I was visiting someone at the Ngwelezana Hospital in Empangeni when I saw this family looking forlorn outside the hospital. I stopped and spoke to the family and gave them a lift to the bus stop. I helped carry Ntando in and out of the car and I couldn’t believe this family had to go through this on a daily basis when they need to move him around.”
“I met the family two years ago and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. At the time I wanted to help but my husband fell ill and last year passed away. I had the Gogo’s number and phoned her to ask about Ntando because my heart was touched by his plight,” she explained.
Nkwanyana said because his mother looks after her son with the grandmother, she is unable to work.
“This boy lives constantly on the ground. If he goes outside they lay out a mat for him and carry him out.
He also has to wear adult nappies. I’ve spoken to him and he would love to go back to school if he can but my hope is to get a wheelchair for him in order to give him some mobility and independence.
“I’m appealing to the north Durban community to help me if they can with a wheelchair or a adult diapers which I could donate to the family,” she explained.
If you would like to help, contact Dora on 082 496 3357.
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