Community helps bury child from Paul Kruger Highway accident
When Paul Kruger Highway car accident victim (‘Woman dies in accident on Paul Kruger Highway’), Prudence Tsotetsi (16) died at the scene of the fatal accident on April 25, her family found themselves having to bear the emotional and financial burden of her untimely death.
It was not until the Community Policing Forum (CPF) of Slovo Park brought the community together to assist the grieving and financially constrained family of the late Prudence.
Read: Woman dies in accident on Paul Kruger Highway
“It was an emotional and difficult time,” says Palesa’s cousin, Roseline Ndaba (28), “and the stress became worse because of the financial pressures we experienced. It was exhausting.”
Roseline, who spent the last seven years living with Palesa, whose mom and dad died in 2008 and 2000 respectively, explains that, had it not been for the collective effort of the CPF and the community members of Slovo Park, the family would have really struggled to bury their loved one.
“Following our neighbour’s appeal to the CPF, regarding our financial problem, we were approached by them with an offer to help us with what we still needed for the funeral,” explains Roseline.
Roseline and Palesa’s neighbour, Princess Gininda (52), explains that she was touched by Palesa’s death and offered to assist the family by appealing to the CPF and people in the community.
“I was touched by her passing,” says Princess, “so I immediately informed the CPF and explained the family’s plight to them, to which they offered to help.”
Sibongile Shongwe (35), who is the CPF’s deputy chairperson and youth desk co-coordinator at the Springs SAPS, explains that it is at the heart of what the CPF does, to go beyond the call of duty and assist families in the community with whatever challenges they may face.
This is the reason they were able to gather the community and small business owners to assist the Tsotetsi family.
“We would have done it for anyone who needed the help,” says Sibongile.
“We joined forces with the business and shop owners in the community and received contributions of groceries, as well as donations to go towards other outstanding necessities for the funeral.”
The call for help came at very short notice following Palesa’s death. However, the CPF looked past the time constraints and collectively, with the community, managed to raise enough for Palesa’s send-off.
“We put all the resources we had together, so that Palesa could have the funeral she deserves,” says Lucky Limako (35), holder of the CPF’s school and road safety portfolio.
Palesa, who was considered “a child of the community” had a special place in the hearts of many and left beautiful memories to comfort the hearts of those grieving her loss.
“Palesa was special, particularly because of her respect and her memorable smile,” says Princess, “which is what we will miss the most about her.”
Princess further expresses her gratitude towards the CPF and the work that they do for the community of Slovo Park, describing them as committed, diligent, hard-working and selfless.
“They serve the community and work tirelessly as if there is a reward, and we are so blessed to have them,” she says.
“The work that they do is not easy, but we appreciate every effort, and that we have a CPF that literally helps and changes the life of community members.”
Palesa was laid to rest at the Slovo Park cemetery, and her family is drawing strength and comfort from the continued support of the CPF and their community.
“We would like to thank the CPF, its sector managers, Patrick Ganda (the chairperson) and the community for their continued love and support,” says Roseline.
