When Abongile Blayi was 18 he made up his mind to cry out for help as he, his brother and their father were ill, cold, weak and hungry.
The destitute family lived in a mud house in Bhakubha village in Mqanduli, and could barely afford their much-needed medicine, surviving together on one old age pension.
Blayi was diagnosed with severe asthma and his father, Mabhontilane, is diabetic. His brother Phumzile, 28, is mentally challenged.
For three years Blayi called in to public radio broadcaster Umhlobo Wenene’s 3am to 5.30am Ndingu Yehova Igqirha Lakho show to share the plight of his family and plead for help. For three years he could not get through.
Finally it happened. On August 15 he was live on air and sharing with half a million listeners his heartrending story.
Now 21, he broke down as he shared the plight of his family with the listeners – one of them being Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle.
He told of how they had no money for food after spending much of his father’s grant seeking medical help.
The family by then lived in a makeshift shelter after their mud house collapsed.
“I have been trying to get through to the programme for three full years, but each time I found the lines busy.
“But on August 15, the Almighty God was with me and I just broke down in tears as I was explaining the situation. My fear was if my father dies, who will look after us as we do not even have a house,” said Blayi.
After the call, Sassa officials brought the family food and a kindly listener from Elliotdale brought clothing.
On Tuesday Masualle, radio host Reverend Nomathamsanqa Rweqana and businessman Mpucuko Mncwabe arrived – and not only handed them a 2,500 litre water tank and gardening tools but a new, fully furnished prefab home.
“I really could not believe my eyes, Hallelujah!” said Mabhontilane. “If I can die now, I will die a happy man knowing that I have left my sons with shelter.
“I know that their health problems will be attended to. I am happy there will be no more trips for water and also I will work my garden.”
Masualle said he was moved by the bravery and persistence of Blayi.
“This is indeed a sad but amazing story of a brave young star. He vowed not to give up. What strikes me is even though we seem to have made progress, there are areas that show just how lacking some of the basic things are to reach some of the families. This family is among those where poverty still persists, and it does strike me that all of us have to redouble our efforts to make sure we reach all the corners and all the people,” said Masualle.
The premier said a permanent structure would be built and Blayi would receive a bursary to study at Buffalo City TVET College next year.
The social development and health departments will attend to related issues and Phumzile will be assisted to apply for a social grant.
Mncwabe said listening to the radio on August 15 when Blayi appealed for just a water tank broke his heart.
“I literally broke down and decided to assist them. Abongile is really brave and cares for his father, whom he calls his hero,” said Mncwabe.
Rweqana was overjoyed that Blayi’s call to the popular show yielded good results...