Woman’s passion changes life for Tshwane children

In 2008, Tshepo Lefifi’s world came crashing down after his mother passed away. At the age of 15 years old, Tshepo was left to look after his younger sister and brother, who also has a developmental disorder (File photo)
Annah hopes to offer support to children who may be fending for themselves after caregivers fall ill
Annah hopes to offer support to children who may be fending for themselves after caregivers fall ill

In 2007, Annah began realising children in Soshanguve were loitering in the streets during school hours.

“I was at home when I noticed these two little children loitering in the sun,” she told OurHealth. “I decided to ask them where they are going only to find that they were hungry and looking for food.”

She ended up inviting the children to her home, and bathing and feeding them. The children soon returned and brought more children daily looking for food and care. By 2008, the home Annah shares with her husband Manoshi was practically a free day care centre.

Her community of Block TT in Soshanguve began to quietly take notice of Ndlovu’s work and was eventually joined by seven volunteer caretakers.

“We used to do home visits as part of our outreach programme,” she added. “What we would find out there were a heartening situations – children are left unattended because parents are sick while some just don’t care.”

Supported by Manoshi, Ndlovu is now in the process of registering a shelter for children, called Madzibandlela Orphanage.

Currently, the centre can house ten children although the Ndlovus estimate that the need for beds is five times that. Department of Health and Social Development Health Inspector Julia Matlock is working with Ndlovu to register the centre.

Manoshi says he feels humbled to be able to support his wife and the community. The couple plans to begin fundraising once they have received their certificate from the Department of Health and Social Development.

An edited version of this article was also republished in the January 2015 edition of the non-profit Homeless Talk newspaper.

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