The wishes
Thursday 28 JulyDriving lessons for Nomsa
We received an email from Miranda about Nomsa Dlamini, a mother of two young girls. Miranda says she met Nomsa for an interview to work as her domestic worker.
Miranda says Nomsa was dressed in a thin skirt and blouse that she made herself and, although she didn’t know this at the time, it was one of the only three outfits she owned.
She says Nomsa made a very good impression and she has been working for her since 2008. Miranda says Nomsa is more than a domestic worker- she has sewn on buttons and even fastened loose screws; she manages their household and makes it possible for Miranda’s family to lead an organised life.
Miranda says from the first moment Nomsa made it clear that she wanted to better herself, Nomsa wanted to learn and acquire as many skills as she possibly can so that she can perhaps start her own business one day. Miranda says that one day is creeping closer.
Miranda says Nomsa was ecstatic when her husband gave her his old laptop when he upgraded and she studied Microsoft Office from books and the internet. (One day Miranda was fairly upset when Nomsa iron her black pants until they were shiny. Miranda says she left Nomsa a note that she must be careful with her black washing. The following day, Nomsa left Miranda a note saying she googled the problem and rinsed the pants in a vinegar solution. Miranda says the shiny-ness was completely gone).
Miranda says Nomsa has also done a sewing course when she lived in Mamelodi. She say Nomsa would like to write a learners license test and is confident that Nomsa will do well. Miranda says Nomsa will then need some driving lessons and because she and her husband work from dusk to dawn they never see Nomsa (hence the note writing) they are not able to help her.
Miranda’s wish for Nomsa is a few driving lessons that will her obtain her driver’s license. Miranda says she realises that she might lose Nomsa but she is sure she won’t lose the friendship. Miranda’s wish for Nomsa is a driver’s license and driving lessons.
Protea Driving School is sponsoring a Learners Licence package including unlimited tuition Transport from and to the testing station as well as her appointment and issuing fees.
They will also give her 5 lessons to get her started.
A baby on the way
We received an email from Andrea Hundermark, who works at St.Marys DSG School, Pretoria with Martha Mahlangu. Andrea says Martha has long wanted to adopt a baby and at last this has become a reality.
Andrea says Martha received word a couple of weeks ago that the adoption process was a success and that she would be adopting a little girl named Puseletso, who is 10 months on the 28th of June – WHICH IS TODAY!!
Andrea says the school is organising a baby shower for Martha. She says Martha was asked if there was anything she needed for the baby, she was very shy in replying, saying she is aware how expensive things for babies are. Andrea’s wish for Martha is a stroller.
REGGIES is sponsoring a R3600 REGGIES gift card and a Chariot Pram valued at R699.00.
Hope for Joshua
Lynne Vorster sent us an email about Elsie. Lynne says her son, Caleb, was born in 2007 with severe brain injury and hence Cerebral Palsy. She says for a while her son attended Sunshine Centre stimulation centre in Elsburg, Germiston.
Lynne says that’s where she met Elsie and her grandson Joshua. She says Joshua was born prematurely and has severe spastic quadriplegia. Lynne says Joshua's mother is not able to care for him, as she has epilepsy and is mentally not able to cope.
She says his grandmother has dedicated the last four years to making Joshua as happy and comfortable as possible with very limited resources. This includes caring for his daily needs, stimulation, therapy, and medications.
Lynne says she is humbled by Elsie's dedication to Joshua and her unconditional love and support to him in such difficult circumstances. Lynne says there is nothing Elsie will not sacrifice for Joshua. Lynne says the neurodevelopmental clinic at JHB Gen have indicated that Joshua has the potential to learn, as he is more physically affected than mentally.
She says the family, however, cannot even begin to think about further therapy and stimulation or even communication aids, as they must struggle every day with his basic needs. Lynne’s wish for Elsie and Joshua is nappies, high calorie formula, and transport to medical appointments and therapy.
The Dis-Chem Foundation is sponsoring a benefits card from Dis-Chem to purchase the goods needed to assist Joshua. This will be R3 500 a month for the next year - July 2012 to June 2013. Dis-Chem will also donate R8000 to the family for transport cost’s to get him to his medical appointments bringing the total donation to R50 000.
Sight for Thabang
We received an email from Michele Kilbourn, about a young man named Thabang Nkambule. Michele says Thabang suffers from keratoconus, a condition that affects the cornea of the eye and results in a distended eyeball that drastically reduces vision, but can hopefully be fixed by a cornea transplant.
Michele says Thabang is currently studying his grade twelve mathematics so that he can fulfill his dream of working in a bank. Michele says Thabang is her housekeeper’s nephew. Michele says her housekeeper, Emma has looked after Thabang for many years since his mother was disabled by a bullet as a result of being caught in a cross fire.
She says Maria, Thabang’s mother has consequently been unable to work and to give Thabang the food, housing and education that he needed. Michele says that Emma stepped into that role and is still supporting him. She says Emma covers Thabang’s study fees, accommodation and food while Thabang endeavours to get his grade twelve maths and secure employment.
Michele says when Emma first told her about Thabang’s poor vision they were having a hard time trying to get a proper understanding of his condition and the extent of his problem from an optometrist at the government hospital.
Michele says she then took Thabang to her optician who then said he has about 10% vision because of keratoconus. She says they had hard contact lenses developed for Thabang but they fall out easily if he is bumped.
Michele say because of degeneration in his condition, the contact lenses they got him last year no longer fit correctly and he was unable to write his exams because of very sore eyes. Michele’s wish for Thabang is a cornea transplant.
Netcare are sponsoring a cornea transplant.
An alarm for Stella
Naledi nominated her aunt in law, Stella Mojapelo for our birthday wish. She says Stella has no kids of her own but has been a mother to all.
Naledi says although Stella didn’t put her husband through school she did contribute towards other things such as textbooks, clothes and groceries from time to time. Naledi says Stella is a phenomenal woman.
Naledi says Stella had been working at the Kalafong hospital for many years earning a minimal salary. She says with it Stella managed to buy a house. Naledi says Stella is now 60 years old and retired but the hospital has asked her to stay on for a few more months to train new people.
She says three years ago Stella lost her life partner and was left alone in her house. Naledi says Stella managed to build a parameter wall around her house for security sake. She says Stella’s wish is to have an alarm system installed, but she cannot afford it.
Naledi says what saddens her is that during the Easter and Christmas holiday’s Stella spends time alone at her home because she fears having her house broken into. Naledi’s wish for Stella is a security system.
Chubb Fire and Security are installing an alarm system.
A ceiling for Lydia
Denise Milne wrote to us about her domestic, Lydia Lefosa who has worked for her for 28 years. Denise says Lydia arrived when she was pregnant with her first child.
She says Lydia has been a fantastic nanny allowing her to pursue her career with peace of mind. Denise says she and her husband both work in construction and have been relocated many times. Denise says Lydia’s only regret was that she never had children of her own.
Denise says she knew Lydia would be a good mommy having seen how she cared for two of her girls. Denise says about six years ago Lydia went to Kroonstad to visit her family and found two little tykes, dirty and barely dressed running wild.
Denise says they were Lydia’s niece’s children and the niece had died of AIDS. Denise says the nieces’ mother was also dead and no one was showing the slightest interest in these two traumatised children. She says Lydia bundled them up with her and brought them home without a second thought.
Denise says Lydia has an RDP house which was woefully inadequate for the new family. Denise says she and her husband helped Lydia build onto it to give the two little ones a room of their own.
Denise says their finances did not stretch to doing Lydia’s ceiling. She says with the weather being what it is the house is really freezing and she is using a lot of her money on electricity. Denise’s wish for Lydia is a ceiling.
Innocentrix is going to help Lydia put a ceiling into her house.
Rochester to the rescue
We received an email from Barry Pearl Thompson, who has asked us to help her domestic worker, Eunice Khumalo. Barry says Eunice has worked for her for over 19 years and takes care of her when she can’t. Barry says Eunice turned 55 on the 6th of June.
A few days ago Eunice took her 27 year old mentally ill daughter to the Tembisa Hospital for a check-up, and when she returned her home, her house had been vandalised. She says the front door had been ripped out and every possession stolen. Barry says Eunice’s home is empty and that no one deserves this.
Barry says Eunice is a kind, patient, hard working single woman who takes care of her sick adult daughter and granddaughter. Barry says she is an elderly woman herself and has limited income. Barry’s wish for Eunice is to replace at some of the things stolen from Eunice’s house.
Rochester are sponsoring one double bed, a two-seater couch and a TV.
A memorable trip for Jonas
We received a request for help from Rhulani Rikhotso about her 16 year old neighbour Jonas Kabelo Kgapola. She says Jonas is in Grade 10 at Emshukantambo Secondary School in Pimville.
Rhulani says Jonas was recently selected by the South Africa Association of Youth Clubs to go to the United States of America for the Network Teen Summit from the 10th to the 15th of July, in Boston.
Rhulani says Jonas’ mother works as a domestic. She says Jonas has four other siblings and his father lost his job due to injuries which left him with no use of his left arm. Rhulani says the family and Jonas’ school managed to get him a visa and passport and his accommodation and return flights have already been paid for.
Rhulani’s wish is to get Jonas things that will make this trip a memorable one by getting him clothes, toiletries, pocket money, a camera and a travelling bag.
ABI is sponsoring R15 000 towards clothes, a camera, toiletries, pocket money and a travelling bag.
A bed for Tanya and her family
Elsabe Butler got in touch with us asking for help with her daughter’s friend’s family. She says her daughter Candice has a friend named Shae in her class in grade eight at Boksburg High School.
She says Candice packs an extra an extra lunch for Shae everyday as things are bit tight financially. Elsabe says Shae, her sister Demi, and mother Tanya Whitson live in the back of her grandfather’s house. She says her daughter told her the family’s mattresses are worn out, and apparently there are no tiles or carpet on the floor, it’s just grey cement.
Elsabe says Shae’s mother works for a small salary and does birthday cakes for extra money. Elsabe says she is taking the two girls with her for a holiday in July. She says Shae and her family are good people but you can see their morale is low and could do with a boost.
Elsabe’s wish for Shae and her family is to make the family’s home more comfortable.
Ellerines are sponsoring a Restonic Regency Queen deluxe bed set with a free linen pack to the value of R8000.
Nappies for Carol
We received an email from Caron Levy, who has asked us to help a lady she has known over the years, named Carol. Caron met Carol at the Shula Bakery in Sandringham where Carol works as an assistant.
Caron says Carol lost her husband in a car accident that also left both her teenage sons with significant brain damage. She says both Carol’s sons live with her and during the day are taken care of by her sister when she is at work. Caron says both Carol’s sons are in wheelchairs and both have significant speech, mobility, feeding and cognitive impairments and are also unable to the bathrooms by themselves and rely on adult diapers.
Caron says Carol has to purchase adult diapers and is presently spending over R350 a week on nappies for her sons. This means Carol spends almost R1400 a month on diapers. Caron says Carol is an amazingly positive and friendly worker who has a smile for each and every customer who walks into the bakery.
Caron says Carol never bemoans her fate and just gets on with her life as it is. Caron says however when Carol is asked about her boys her face changes and you can see the agony of a bereaved mom. Caron’s wish for Carol is adult diapers for Carol’s sons.
National Pride are sponsoring six months’ supply of adult diapers.
Hearing for Terence
Lyn Tam emailed us about her brother Terence Tim, who she says is an avid listener to 702. She says her brother is in his late 60’s and has suffered a lot of setbacks.
He has suffered several heart attacks and is still waiting for the state hospital to arrange a date for him to have an operation. She says this has been going on for a few years and he is still waiting. Lyn says her brother is also diabetic and is house bound.
She says during the past year Terence has become hard of hearing, but he still listens to 702 the whole day but he has it on very loud. Lyn’s wish for her brother Terence is a hearing test and a hearing aid.
The Ear Institute are sponsoring a hearing test and hearing aid.
A wheelchair for Rhoda
Salama Sheriff sent us an email about her dear friend Rhoda Abrahams, who turned 56 on the 8th of June. Salama says Rhoda has a daughter, who was born with Spina Bifida and Rhoda has managed to raise her beautiful daughter all by herself.
Rhoda struggles with transporting her daughter’s wheelchair and it has taken a toll on her health, causing Rhoda back pains. She says the strain of carrying the wheelchair has made it difficult for Rhoda to go to work on some days but despite all this she still continues carrying her daughter’s wheelchair to and from the car everyone without any help and complaining.
Salama says Rhoda doesn’t have the finances to purchase a new wheelchair that will be easier to carry. Salama’s wish for Rhoda’s daughter is a light, foldable wheelchair.
MEDOP are sponsoring a wheelchair for Rhoda’s daughter.
Furniture for Elsie
Ashleigh Erasmus emailed us about a lady that cleans for her once a week and has been assisting her with domestic chores for the past six years, her name is Elsie. Ashleigh says Elsie is a 65 year old lady that has touched her outlook on life and the way she goes about living her life.
Ashleigh says five years ago Elsie took over the care of a one year old baby boy, who is her son’s child. Ashleigh says the little boy named Siphelo is mentally and physically disabled. She says when Siphelo’s mother passed away, the mother’s family did not want to take over the responsibility of looking after Siphelo.
Ashleigh says Elsie took Siphelo into her care. She says Siphelo goes to work with Elsie because he needs 24 hour care and supervision. She says Siphelo’s physical growth is slow, at the age of six Elsie is still able to carry him on her back. Ashleigh says Elsie provides for Siphelo’s medical, physical and security needs without ever complaining, yet Elsie believes that Siphelo was brought into her life for a reason.
Ashleigh says on the 13th of September 2010, Elsie was affected by the fires that spread through the Kya Sands township. She says Elsie lost everything, but the clothes on her and Siphelo’s backs. Ashleigh says Elsie had furbished her three room shack in Kya Sands beautifully. She says over the years the various other employers Elsie worked for had donated some items which made her home comfortable. Ashleigh says sadly with the fire, all of Elsie’s worldly belongings, important documents and comforts were lost in the fire.
Ashleigh says Elsie explained in a peaceful way that everything has an end, whether it is an object or a life and that she is just grateful to be alive. Ashleigh says Elsie has begun rebuilding her dwelling. Ashleigh’s wish for Elsie is furniture.
SAB (South African Breweries) are sponsoring R30 000 towards Elsie’s furniture.
