SURVIVING five gunshot wounds, digging in pit toilets to recover discarded babies, uncovering bodies from shallow graves and being at the beck and call of the community 24 hours a day, are just a few of the experiences community worker Sharon Mdletshe has dealt with in her quest to help and serve Mzingazi residents.
Selflessly dedicating nearly two decades to volunteer work in her suburb, Mdletshe is still going strong thanks to the support of the local business fraternity.
The well-known volunteer, crime fighting personality and Mzingazi Community Policing Chairperson, hosted a gratitude event to acknowledge and thank local businesses for their support in helping her make a difference in her community.
Her efforts in the community involve helping disadvantaged families with food parcels, applying for social grants, pensions and jobs, as well as offering a shoulder to cry on.
Despite not earning an income, her passion and the heart for the community fuel her drive to be a beacon of hope.
She relies solely on sponsorships and donations from local businesses, charity groups and individual donations.
‘We have helped building houses for destitute families, pensioners who look after their grandchildren, child-headed households, young mothers and assist police in fighting crime.’
Salute
Richards Bay SAPS Captain Michelle Michael commended Sharon for all her hard work.
‘Today we have to say thank you to Sharon as she goes out and does the work we wish we had more time to do.
‘She is outspoken, loud and bombastic in whatever she does and has been working for the community without a salary for 17 years and an active Community Policing Forum member for 14 years.
‘Being shot at did not deterred her from her tasks and she continues despite the hurdles and challenges she has faced,’said Michael.
