Aphiwe mourns her son
Aphiwe Ndum-Ndum said she realised that Yamkela was having difficulty breathing.
LITTLE Yamkela Ndum-Ndum, a seven-month-old baby from La Rochelle, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, in his mother’s arms.
Aphiwe Ndum-Ndum said she realised that Yamkela was having difficulty breathing. She then phoned her sister, who advised her to take the child to Rosettenville Clinic.
“He was cold and I didn’t know what to do. We quickly rushed to the clinic, however, on our arrival, he was certified dead,” said Aphiwe.
The 29-year-old is unemployed and has three other children. Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame came to her aid and, with the help of local social workers, managed to organise a decent burial for Yamkela.
“We tried to sort out documents with the social worker so that Yamkela can be buried. We had difficulties because Aphiwe didn’t have money to pay the mortuary, but we have managed to make arrangements with the owner of the mortuary to keep the baby until we sorted out all the necessary documents,” explained Chame.
When the COURIER and Chame visited the place where Aphiwe lives, the councillor noted that the conditions in which Aphiwe and other tenants live are appalling. “They do not have electricity and they cook outside in the yard. The house is infested with rats. These people’s living condition cannot be appreciated,” said Chame.
Yamkela will be buried on Monday, June 29.
