Pensioner Livinstone Bomvane gets his lunch and supper at Yizani Sakhe in Gugulethu.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Livingstone Bomvane trying to get through to the place he calls home.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A Gugulethu non-profit organisation is making an impassioned plea for help for a couple in NY 108, who are living in deplorable conditions.
Yizani Sakhe, which loosely translates to come let us build, has provided relief to thousands who have sought help from homelessness and hunger in the last four decades.
The organisation said over the last year there has been an increase in the number of people seeking help, often for just the basic needs.
Livingstone, 73, and Yolisa, 63, Bomvane live with their mentally ill son in a roofless house with no furniture. During last week’s heavy rains, they were forced to remain in the cold home.
Founder of Yizani Sakhe, Bongiwe Rafa, is now appealing for help for them.
Ms Rafa said her worst fear is for them to die in the cold this winter. She has welcomed them into her NY6 home to have breakfast and supper. “That is all I can offer for now. After hearing about their plight I was touched. These are pensioners who are supposed to be happy and breathing nicely. These are people who should be enjoying their days on planet Earth. If they can get a temporary shelter for now, that would be the best thing for them. I appeal to the authorities to assist. I know there are places where they can be placed and live a better life.”
According to the couple, their house was damaged in a fire but they are not sure who started it.
“We were told that it was because of my child who was on drugs then. Those were just people’s views. But we asked him, he knew nothing about it,” said Mr Bomvane.
The couple said their worst fears came true during last week’s heavy rains when they had to sleep with wet blankets on the wet floor. The couple said during the day, they go around looking for food. “Most of the time I stay in the Gugulethu mall just to de-stress. You know in the mall there are a lot of people minding their business. But when I am hungry I go to Bongi’s place. But I do not go so often because I do not want to be her burden as much as she has opened her hands for us. I do not know what to do as a head of the house. I am always stressed and emotionally not right ever since the fire,” said Mr Bomvane.
The family said they will accept any help they get from the public, but mostly said they would be glad to have a roof over their heads.
If you would like to help, contact Ms Rafa on 084 416 6252.