A Grahamstown couple who were touched by the plight of destitute families in and around their area have decided to raise funds to get the struggling families closer to help by organising a benefit concert.
A Grahamstown couple who were touched by the plight of destitute families in and around their area have decided to raise funds to get the struggling families closer to help by organising a benefit concert.
Husband and wife Thembelani and Nobulumko Speckman from Vukani are organising a benefit concert for Saturday 3 December to raise funds for three families who are struggling to keep their heads above water.
Nobulumko and her husband have identified three families that are in real need of assistance. The proceeds from the charity benefit concert are meant to help the three families.
The first family is from O street. A pensioner is taking care of 13 grandchildren whose parents have passed away. The family live in a two-room shack. Nobulumko told Grocott's Mail that she had taken steps to assist the three families as best as she can by doing home visits, continuously monitoring their situation and uplifting them through spiritual support.
The family is made up of grandchildren between seven months and 18 years old. Five of them, aged seven months, one-year-old twins, a four-year-old and a 13-year-old, do not even get social grants, while one aged 10 is still without a birth certificate.
Two aged 16 and 18 do not attend school because they are disabled.
The couple are also assisting a 24-year-old woman from Vukani who lost both her parents three years ago. "I have been helping her also with food, clothes to wear and some toiletries. She is now living with my parents," Nobulumko said.
The 24-year-old has a Grade 12 certificate, but she is unable to get employment or afford to study further.
The couple have written to three government departments and to Makana Municipality to get ask them to intervene. Nobulumko says she has sent letters to The Department of Social Development, Child Welfare and the South African Social Security Agency asking them to assist the destitute families.
On Tuesday this week Nobulumko said she hadn't received a response yet from any of them. "I want a representative from each and every one of these departments to come to the event and make a commitment to these families," she said.
Nobulumko says she wants to ensure that the fund-raiser is carried out in a transparent manner where everyone can see what their donations will be used for.
The concert is scheduled for 3 December at BB Zondani Hall in Fingo Village at 3pm. Artists who have agreed to perform for free in the concert, according to Nobulumko, include Unathi Nxumalo, Zukisani, Redemption, Sibusiso, Still Forever, DJ Black Current as well as the Speckmans.
Anyone who wishes to help the cause can contact Nobulumko on 063 148 1678.
anele@grocotts.co.za
