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Good Samaritan helps old, homeless couple

Israel Nkate

Israel Nkate

After sleeping in the open for 15 years, Grace Seleka and Douglas "Jackals" Mcina now have a roof over their heads.

They slept in open veld in Koga Skoti squatter camp, near Westgate shopping complex in Roodepoort, Gauteng. When the weather was bad, the old people slept in a toilet.

After their story appeared in Sowetan two weeks ago, a Good Samaritan bought them a shack, blankets and food.

Nontombi Mngomezulu said she was touched by their plight and decided to help the couple.

"When the old lady was asked what her ideal present would be, she said tasty meals. They refused to be taken to an old-age home because they feared that they would be separated.

"Their story haunted me and I decided to buy them a shack. I know a shack might not be much, but that's how far my finances stretched.

"I am glad they have a roof over their heads. Now I am trying to get them pensions. So far I have spent R4000 on them," Mngomezulu said.

"I did it for the sake of ubuntu. Some other people here have also volunteered to look after them. From time to time, depending on my schedule, I will check on them."

Mngomezulu attributes her outlook to her former job.

"During my tenure as a teacher at Orlando West High School, I came across children from poverty stricken families. It touched me.

"I vowed that I would help the needy one day," said Mngomezulu, who is a trainer for the transport sector.

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