Africa-Press – Eswatini. A family of five from Mdumezulu is in urgent need of help, with their most pressing need being a proper house. The family currently lives in unsafe and dilapidated conditions in the area known as kama Olintji.
The household is headed by a 58 year old father who is no longer able to build or provide secure shelter for his three children and four month old grandchild. The current structure is falling apart and offers little protection especially concerning for the young girls in the family.
According to the area’s Bucopho, Sincomiso Shongwe, the family is crying out for assistance. “They need a proper house to live in. We are appealing to anyone who can help this family in any way,” he said.
In addition to the house, the family is also in need of food and clothing, as they are lacking even the most basic necessities. The children are aged 17, 14, and 11, with the infant grandchild adding further strain to the household’s already difficult situation. Community leaders have voiced concern about their wellbeing and safety.
The Member of Parliament for Mdumezulu Sifiso Shabalala shared with this publication that the Sihlongonyane family’s situation is truly painful. He appealed to all emaSwati, companies, and organisations to assist the family in any way they can.
He confirmed that a request for help had already been submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, but noted that there is a long waiting list of people in similar circumstances who are also waiting for houses to be built. However, he said the office did express a willingness to assist. “What I will do as an MP is try to help with food so that they do not go to bed on an empty stomach,” he said.
The MP also pointed out that the family’s living conditions are deeply concerning, especially because all members sleep in one room that is not in good condition. He said this puts the girls in the household at serious risk. He further added that the father is mentally unwell and requires urgent support.
He went on to thank the nurses from the nearby clinic, who have been checking on the family and providing medication when needed. He pledged that, should assistance come especially in the form of house construction, the community will step in to contribute manpower where possible.
Mtiti Fakudze, the Indvuna Yemcuba, also spoke out, kindly asking the public to assist. “We are asking everyone to help the Sihlongonyane family. Since the government assists vulnerable people by building houses, we are hopeful this family will also receive support soon,” he said.
Fakudze expressed his pain, especially over the safety of the girls. “It is painful. There are girls in this family, and I honestly don’t think they are safe at all in that kind of house,” he added.
While gathering the details of the story, no member of the Sihlongonyane family was available for comment. Anyone who is able to help is encouraged to contact Nomphumelelo Zikalala at 7982 9377 or 7663 8560. They can also contact Indvuna Mtiti Fakudze on 76874601.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
