A young boy of 14 has been handed the keys to his brand-new house in Pretoria which he won during the second #HomeForChristmas competition run by Kaya FM, based in Parktown North, and RBA Homes last year.
Omolemo Mokgwatlheng’s family friend, Bonolo Moleli submitted an entry letter to the breakfast show hosting the competition, 180 with Bob, presented by Bob Mabena and Kuli Roberts every weekday between 6am to 9am.
The letter detailed Mokgwatlheng’s living and health conditions at the time, stating passionately why he was most deserving of the coveted prize. “He lives with his grandparents, aunt and his cousin in a three-bedroom shack. His mother passed on when he was only four,” reads the letter.
“What makes his situation so heartbreaking is that he has chronic renal failure as a result of recurrent kidney stones since he was four and his treatment requires that he dialyse himself daily for 10 hours.”
Moleli went on to say in the letter that the dialysis treatment needed to be conducted under sterile conditions but that wasn’t possible for the youngster because they were a large family sharing a tiny shack.
“He is currently on the transplant list for a new kidney but until he finds a donor match, he would need to follow this strict care at home. With no breadwinner in the household, the chance of getting a suitable house built is almost impossible. He recently was admitted [to hospital] because he acquired an infection and he would seriously benefit if he were to win the house,” continued Moleli in her letter.
Four finalists were selected from all the letters received and were invited to a draw where each picked a golden key with the hopes that it would open a door presented before them. All contestants tried their luck but Omolemo walked away with the house.
Kaya FM’s chief operating officer, Linda Reddy said as Kaya FM, they are of the belief that they can do their part in making a difference.
“Omolemo doesn’t have to worry about not having a safe or secure home to live in, the house is an investment in his future. We have been a part of doing something that will bring joy and relief to him and his family so they can concentrate on his future.”
Speaking on the importance of organ donations, which could help another young boy, Jooste Vermeulen, director of communications at the Organ Donor Foundation said more donors were needed in the country. He said over 4 500 adults and children are on waiting lists, just like Mokgwatlheng, for transplants, but only about 300 are performed annually.
“Despite all that is being done, thousands die every year and some get turned away because there are not enough organs,” said Vermeulen.
“We need more people to say yes to organ donation.”
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