A Destitute young man orphaned at an early age was yesterday handed the keys to his new house thanks to a caring teacher who inspired others to go that extra mile.
Lamla Matiso, 20, until yesterday had lived alone in a mud structure with a hole in the roof, surviving on handouts from villagers.
When his neighbours could not feed him he would walk 5km to another village to beg for food.
He hails from Busila village 50km outside Butterworth.
Matiso’s mother passed away when he was still young and he was left in the care of his elderly grandmother, who died in 2011.
Following her death, his two half siblings left to live with their fathers in Cape Town and Gauteng.
When his grades took a knock at Ngqaqini Senior Primary School in 2014, he caught the attention of maths and physical science teacher Monica Qaba.
Speaking at the handover ceremony Qaba said: “Lamla was very shy and quiet in class.
“So when he began performing poorly I requested to see his parents. He then told me he does not have any so when I visited his place that is when I found out he was living in abject poverty.”
Qaba said it was then she decided to get the government on board in an effort to assist the young man.
“We started by helping him with an identity document and groceries.”
In addition the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) joined to help raise funds to assist Matiso.
ADM mayor Nomasikizi Konza undertook a fundraising event in February 2015 in the form of the Mayoral Golf Challenge to build a house for Matiso.
The golf tournament raised R236250 and the money was used to build Matiso a fully furnished, two-bedroom house in the village.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Matiso said he appreciated all the help he had received. “This is my first proper house to live in.”
His new house comes with two bedroom suites, a wardrobe, a couch and coffee table. Unfortunately they could not be delivered yesterday due to the rain, which made roads to the village difficult to travel on.
Qaba said although Matiso has since left her school for high school his grades had improved.
Konza yesterday described Qaba as a shining example of what a teacher should be. “Today you have saved a life. Had it not been for you we wouldn’t be gathered here.”
Her message to Matiso was: “This is your house. Share it with your siblings. The community has also played a role in making sure that it was not vandalised.” — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Joy for destitute pupil as he receives keys to a new home
Lamla Matiso, 20, until yesterday had lived alone in a mud structure with a hole in the roof, surviving on handouts from villagers.
When his neighbours could not feed him he would walk 5km to another village to beg for food.
He hails from Busila village 50km outside Butterworth.
Matiso’s mother passed away when he was still young and he was left in the care of his elderly grandmother, who died in 2011.
Following her death, his two half siblings left to live with their fathers in Cape Town and Gauteng.
When his grades took a knock at Ngqaqini Senior Primary School in 2014, he caught the attention of maths and physical science teacher Monica Qaba.
Speaking at the handover ceremony Qaba said: “Lamla was very shy and quiet in class.
“So when he began performing poorly I requested to see his parents. He then told me he does not have any so when I visited his place that is when I found out he was living in abject poverty.”
Qaba said it was then she decided to get the government on board in an effort to assist the young man.
“We started by helping him with an identity document and groceries.”
In addition the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) joined to help raise funds to assist Matiso.
ADM mayor Nomasikizi Konza undertook a fundraising event in February 2015 in the form of the Mayoral Golf Challenge to build a house for Matiso.
The golf tournament raised R236250 and the money was used to build Matiso a fully furnished, two-bedroom house in the village.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Matiso said he appreciated all the help he had received. “This is my first proper house to live in.”
His new house comes with two bedroom suites, a wardrobe, a couch and coffee table. Unfortunately they could not be delivered yesterday due to the rain, which made roads to the village difficult to travel on.
Qaba said although Matiso has since left her school for high school his grades had improved.
Konza yesterday described Qaba as a shining example of what a teacher should be. “Today you have saved a life. Had it not been for you we wouldn’t be gathered here.”
Her message to Matiso was: “This is your house. Share it with your siblings. The community has also played a role in making sure that it was not vandalised.” — zwangam@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