Mhlaba Memela
Mhlaba Memela
A 92-year-old woman who has for the past four months been seeking help to bury her only son will finally have her wish granted, thanks to Sowetan.
Wiping away tears Khombisile Makhoba of Verulam, north of Durban, said she could not thank the Sowetan enough for its help.
Makhoba's 60-year-old son Myekeni died in hospital on June 27 after a long illness.
He was taken to a private funeral parlour where he has been lying for four months because Makhoba did not have money for his burial.
Onlearning of the granny's plight Sowetan contacted the office of the KwaZulu-Natal premier and it swiftly came to her rescue.
Premier Sbu Ndebele dispatched staff member Nonhlanhla Mkhize.
On her arrival Mkhize, who also brought food parcels, informed the family that the premier's office would assist with funeral arrangements.
"Thank you my children. Thank you," she sobbed.
Makhoba, who is living in abject poverty, said she had not received her pension grant since her son's death.
Sitting outside her dilapidated one-roomed house with only an old iron single bed, she said she shared it with her 58-year-old daughter Nomangisi.
Makhoba said: "He (Myekeni) collected the grant on my behalf but since he died I have had no income.
"My daughter went to the department (of social development) to explain the situation but did not get help.
"They said I had to give authorisation. How do I do that when I can't even walk or see?"
Granny, 92, can bury son thanks to Sowetan
Mhlaba Memela
Mhlaba Memela
A 92-year-old woman who has for the past four months been seeking help to bury her only son will finally have her wish granted, thanks to Sowetan.
Wiping away tears Khombisile Makhoba of Verulam, north of Durban, said she could not thank the Sowetan enough for its help.
Makhoba's 60-year-old son Myekeni died in hospital on June 27 after a long illness.
He was taken to a private funeral parlour where he has been lying for four months because Makhoba did not have money for his burial.
Onlearning of the granny's plight Sowetan contacted the office of the KwaZulu-Natal premier and it swiftly came to her rescue.
Premier Sbu Ndebele dispatched staff member Nonhlanhla Mkhize.
On her arrival Mkhize, who also brought food parcels, informed the family that the premier's office would assist with funeral arrangements.
"Thank you my children. Thank you," she sobbed.
Makhoba, who is living in abject poverty, said she had not received her pension grant since her son's death.
Sitting outside her dilapidated one-roomed house with only an old iron single bed, she said she shared it with her 58-year-old daughter Nomangisi.
Makhoba said: "He (Myekeni) collected the grant on my behalf but since he died I have had no income.
"My daughter went to the department (of social development) to explain the situation but did not get help.
"They said I had to give authorisation. How do I do that when I can't even walk or see?"