WINNING a trophy has brought a Nchanga, KwaZulu-Natal, woman nothing but grief.

WINNING a trophy has brought a Nchanga, KwaZulu-Natal, woman nothing but grief.

Madeli Ndlovu, 44, of Mtumane, Inchanga, says she is having sleepless nights since winning a rotating trophy for being exemplary to her community.

The mother of two said her house had been stoned by unknown people, leaving her with shattered windows.

This, she says, happened around August.

"I was chosen woman of the year for helping my community. All I received was a trophy and a two-plate stove but people for some reason think I also won money," she said.

Ndlovu was recognised for her selfless efforts by the Highway Aged Foundation.

"We are aware of the threats she is receiving," said the foundation's social worker Nobuhle Mdadane.

"I want to add that she did not receive any money. All she got was a trophy engraved with her name which she will have to bring back to the foundation after a year," said Mdadane.

She alleged that the person spreading rumours about Ndlovu winning R30000 was the owner of 1000 Hills Community Helper, Dawn Leppan.

"She no longer helps the community and chases them away. She tells them to go to Ndlovu as she has won a huge sum of money that is supposed to help the community. She came second in our competition. She has previously won such an award and money," she said.

Leppan denied the allegation and said this was news to her.

"I don't know what you are talking about. I have never chased anyone away. I am here to help," she said.