One of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons has leaped to rescue a Qunu pensioner who lost all her belongings when her home was set alight by a lightning bolt.
Siya Mandela, 29, has been raising funds for Nolusapho Mazini, 63, since her rondavel was reduced to ashes three months ago.
Mazini lost her ID and pension card in the blaze along with other personal effects. She is now sharing a two-room mud house with her six grandchildren.
The softly-spoken grandmother has not received her R1410 monthly pension payout for the past three months as South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) staff need to see her ID.
Because of this, she has had to beg from neighbours, relatives and fellow villagers for small portions of food, which she puts together to cook a meal.
“I go ask for potatoes from the garden of one house and onions in another. From there I will go and ask for potatoes in another house,” she said.
“Then I find mealie meal and mix it with the veg so that at least we can have something to eat before we go to bed. People are all suffering so you cannot ask for too much,” she said.
Mazini and her 13-year old grandson Nkosibongile were treated for mild injuries at Mthatha Regional Hospital after the lightning strike in July.
“I was sleeping when it happened so I cannot remember how it started. I just saw fire all over the house and rushed outside with my grandchildren.
“Villagers said I was lucky because umhlekazi (the lightning) just gave me a slap,” she said.
Siya is working through a non-governmental organisation, Africa Rising, established by his cousin Ndaba Mandela to help make a difference in poor communities.
The organisation also distributes groceries to two domestic workers who lost their jobs after the death of the former president.
“We urge people to open their hearts because the situation is very grave,” Siya said.
“It is not of her own doing that she is in the same situation. Most people in Qunu are suffering and our leaders are turning a blind eye.” Siya visits impoverished homes to assess their situation before bringing it to the organisation’s attention.
“These are the teachings that Tatu’ Rolihlahla left behind with us,” he said. Home Affairs regional director Ngenisile Stuurman said they would give Mazini a free smart ID.
Sassa’s acting spokeswoman Neziswa Dwanya said under normal circumstances the pension payout lapsed if it was not collected for three consecutive months.
Dwanya asked Mazini to visit their offices for assistance.
Mandela’s grandson helps pensioner
Siya Mandela, 29, has been raising funds for Nolusapho Mazini, 63, since her rondavel was reduced to ashes three months ago.
Mazini lost her ID and pension card in the blaze along with other personal effects. She is now sharing a two-room mud house with her six grandchildren.
The softly-spoken grandmother has not received her R1410 monthly pension payout for the past three months as South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) staff need to see her ID.
Because of this, she has had to beg from neighbours, relatives and fellow villagers for small portions of food, which she puts together to cook a meal.
“I go ask for potatoes from the garden of one house and onions in another. From there I will go and ask for potatoes in another house,” she said.
“Then I find mealie meal and mix it with the veg so that at least we can have something to eat before we go to bed. People are all suffering so you cannot ask for too much,” she said.
Mazini and her 13-year old grandson Nkosibongile were treated for mild injuries at Mthatha Regional Hospital after the lightning strike in July.
“I was sleeping when it happened so I cannot remember how it started. I just saw fire all over the house and rushed outside with my grandchildren.
“Villagers said I was lucky because umhlekazi (the lightning) just gave me a slap,” she said.
Siya is working through a non-governmental organisation, Africa Rising, established by his cousin Ndaba Mandela to help make a difference in poor communities.
The organisation also distributes groceries to two domestic workers who lost their jobs after the death of the former president.
“We urge people to open their hearts because the situation is very grave,” Siya said.
“It is not of her own doing that she is in the same situation. Most people in Qunu are suffering and our leaders are turning a blind eye.” Siya visits impoverished homes to assess their situation before bringing it to the organisation’s attention.
“These are the teachings that Tatu’ Rolihlahla left behind with us,” he said. Home Affairs regional director Ngenisile Stuurman said they would give Mazini a free smart ID.
Sassa’s acting spokeswoman Neziswa Dwanya said under normal circumstances the pension payout lapsed if it was not collected for three consecutive months.
Dwanya asked Mazini to visit their offices for assistance.
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