I am the single, unemployed, blind mother of an autistic 12-year-old boy and I desperately need help.
We lived with my partner in Pretoria until December.
That month, numerous incidents of abuse happened. When his pit-bull bit my son, I knew we had to move.
I contacted a church group and they gave me the number of the lady in Brits who’s farm we are currently living on.
I arranged for a friend to pick us up on 29 December to bring us to Brits.
The rent of R900 was a bit steep as my monthly social grant came to only R1 670.
But I was told I get a room with a bathroom. This would leave me with about R700 to do everything else with.
Fortunately, the school was aware of our situation and a kind donor would cover my son’s school and hostel fees.
Our room is more of a partition in a shed which has low boards separating tenants. So no privacy.
There is no light in my room as the fixture is broken and the roof leaks.
We share the bathroom, disgusting toilet and shower with 19 other people.
We are only allowed warm water twice a week.
This bathroom is 100m on rough terrain from my room and I have fallen over rocks and other obstacles.
Keep in mind, I am as blind as a bat.
Of the 30 people here, two have told me they would kill themselves in my position.
I have never been so depressed and my son is suffering.
I found out there is no social worker or any other assistance one could expect from a licensed shelter.
We don’t need much. Just a room which can be a safe, comfortable place for us.
It has taken a tremendous amount of courage to write this but I am at the end of my rope.
Please help us.
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