Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle has promised to assist in the funerals of four homeless children who died on the weekend, apparently after eating something they had found in a dustbin.
The four boys were later found dead in different parts of the city centre.
Their deaths were announced yesterday morning when Masualle, accompanied by award-winning gospel singer Sifiso Ncwane and ANC MP Dr Zukile Luyenge, visited the Mthatha-based Ibandla Lasemthini Evangelical Movement led by renowned philanthropist and former provincial Arrive Alive spokesman Bishop Tshepo Machaea.
The church’s social responsibility head Babalwa Mtumtum said the children were among almost 220 children living on the streets whom the church takes care of.
“It’s so sad. We have never had such a tragedy of four of our children dying within 12 hours of each other. It was only a month ago that we buried one of them who was stabbed to death by a man suspected of having a mental problem,” a shaken Mtumtum told Masualle.
She said the church would battle to bury all four victims.
Apart from offering daily sustenance to hordes of homeless children, Ibandla Lasemthini has also reportedly assisted about 109 youths with their schooling from primary to tertiary level.
“The 67 minutes to us is not an event, but a daily thing,” she said.
Addressing the hundreds who filled the church hall in Owen Street, Masualle made the commitment to assist in the burial.
“We will work together in ensuring that they are buried with dignity and respect. As a government it is our responsibility to assist in conditions like these,” said Masualle to thunderous applause.
He commended the church for its work in the community.
“Ibandla Lasemthini looks after the poor, not only spiritually, but also in other ways.
“This is the work we should all be proud of and encourage others to follow suit. The government is also going to assist you in sustaining the programme as it helps many poor people,” he added.
Mtumtum said the church was tracing the families and relatives of the four victims.
She said that two of them had died on Friday evening and two others on Saturday morning.
She said all four first complained of stomach cramps, vomited and then died.
Masualle visited the church as part of the ANC’s election campaign. The party was seeking prayers in order to win and also to have a free and fair election.
He also requested the church release church leader Machaea to be the ANC’s Ward 6 candidate for the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
“This is the man we all know is trusted, a community builder of note who helps those who are in need without expecting a reward. He is a man of high morals. We are here therefore to request the church to lend to the ANC to be part of the team to change the condition of this municipality,” Masualle said.
Ncwane, who is in the province to take part in Mandela Day activities, said he was happy that the birthday of his 14-year-old son, Ngcweti, coincided with that of former president Nelson Mandela.
“We usually go to old age homes or children’s homes in KwaZulu-Natal, but now I will be here in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
Masualle later visited two other churches in Norwood and Ngangelizwe townships in Mthatha. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
EC premier vows to help church bury street children
The four boys were later found dead in different parts of the city centre.
Their deaths were announced yesterday morning when Masualle, accompanied by award-winning gospel singer Sifiso Ncwane and ANC MP Dr Zukile Luyenge, visited the Mthatha-based Ibandla Lasemthini Evangelical Movement led by renowned philanthropist and former provincial Arrive Alive spokesman Bishop Tshepo Machaea.
The church’s social responsibility head Babalwa Mtumtum said the children were among almost 220 children living on the streets whom the church takes care of.
“It’s so sad. We have never had such a tragedy of four of our children dying within 12 hours of each other. It was only a month ago that we buried one of them who was stabbed to death by a man suspected of having a mental problem,” a shaken Mtumtum told Masualle.
She said the church would battle to bury all four victims.
Apart from offering daily sustenance to hordes of homeless children, Ibandla Lasemthini has also reportedly assisted about 109 youths with their schooling from primary to tertiary level.
“The 67 minutes to us is not an event, but a daily thing,” she said.
Addressing the hundreds who filled the church hall in Owen Street, Masualle made the commitment to assist in the burial.
“We will work together in ensuring that they are buried with dignity and respect. As a government it is our responsibility to assist in conditions like these,” said Masualle to thunderous applause.
He commended the church for its work in the community.
“Ibandla Lasemthini looks after the poor, not only spiritually, but also in other ways.
“This is the work we should all be proud of and encourage others to follow suit. The government is also going to assist you in sustaining the programme as it helps many poor people,” he added.
Mtumtum said the church was tracing the families and relatives of the four victims.
She said that two of them had died on Friday evening and two others on Saturday morning.
She said all four first complained of stomach cramps, vomited and then died.
Masualle visited the church as part of the ANC’s election campaign. The party was seeking prayers in order to win and also to have a free and fair election.
He also requested the church release church leader Machaea to be the ANC’s Ward 6 candidate for the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
“This is the man we all know is trusted, a community builder of note who helps those who are in need without expecting a reward. He is a man of high morals. We are here therefore to request the church to lend to the ANC to be part of the team to change the condition of this municipality,” Masualle said.
Ncwane, who is in the province to take part in Mandela Day activities, said he was happy that the birthday of his 14-year-old son, Ngcweti, coincided with that of former president Nelson Mandela.
“We usually go to old age homes or children’s homes in KwaZulu-Natal, but now I will be here in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
Masualle later visited two other churches in Norwood and Ngangelizwe townships in Mthatha. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos