THE Papa’s Hope Organisation, a non-profit company (NPC) based in Umgababa, is appealing for the community’s assistance in helping a family in the area that is going through hardships. The Khumalo family is headed by pensioner Ntombenhle, 76, who is blind.
Papa Luthuli is the director of the organisation and a businessman who has assisted the family over the past year with food and other basic needs. Ntombenhle said most of the family’s problems stem from her drug-addicted son who is in his 30s and who has stolen everything that can be sold for drugs.
“All the windows are broken because he comes and demands to be let in, and he becomes violent. He once smashed a brick over my head, and I have reported him to the police many times, but he has never been convicted,” said Ntombenhle.
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She lives with two other family members – her other son, Fanifani Khumalo, who is unemployed, and her grandson, Ntuthuko, who is in Grade Six. The family relies on Ntombenhle’s meagre pension, which is never enough.
Ntuthuko said it pains him to see his grandmother being physically abused and also struggling to support the family. He went into great detail describing what he has witnessed and how the police have failed his grandmother.
“My father, Fanifani, used to work, but he was laid off and hasn’t been able to find another job. If anyone could help him with a job, we would be very thankful. Sometimes we go for days without food, and I’m concerned about my grandmother because she is old,” said Ntuthuko.
Papa Luthuli said it was these hardships that touched him and made him help the family. “The main aim of the NPC is to drive positive change in the community and bring people together. We have previously helped flood victims, and we are currently paying school fees for a few learners. We can’t do this alone, which is why we are asking for more help for this family,” said Papa.
The family needs food, clothing and basic appliances. He said he would be happy if anyone can donate window panes to fix the house as winter is fast approaching. Papa’s Hope can be contacted on 073 803 1638.
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