Destitute woman receives much-needed help
The woman's grand daughter is said to have fled the country with her granny's SASSA card
AN 81-year-old Mtubatuba woman has been left destitute and living in a shelter made of wooden planks after her granddaughter allegedly fled to Mozambique, taking with her the woman’s Sassa (SA Social Services Agency) card.
Emelinah Mthembu, who lives by herself in eZwenelisha, on the outskirts of Monzi near St Lucia, is of frail health and has no money to buy groceries or get to the clinic.
She has no way of looking after herself and cannot walk but for the use of an improvised walking stick.
Her granddaughter, who reportedly fled the country with Mthembu’s SASSA card, has been gone for about a year, leaving the woman destitute and suffering.
‘After receiving this news from one of Mthembu’s neighbours, I bought some groceries and communicated with the on-site contractor, asking them to hasten the construction of the old lady’s toilet and house, both of which are at the foundation stage,’ said Mtubatuba Ward Councillor Ndumiso Zuma.
‘I also invited the services of Sassa and the Department of Social Development to assess the situation and implement whatever is feasible for the old lady, given the circumstances.’
Should all go well, Mthembu will soon have a proper roof over her head.
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