Matelo’s miserable existence

After the uplifting visit to Lynn and her family we visited Matelo who is cared for by his aging father. The father must be over 70 and it was estimated that his son, seen here lying on the floor, must be in his late 30s. There may have been a time when Matelo was in a wheelchair but looking at the wreck that remains that could not be the case now. Matelo can’t walk, talk, or use his arms. He is also incontinent. There are some branches covered by a piece of fabric acting as a bed situated under the poorly constructed rondaval. Next month the rains are due and Matelo will get soaked unless his father manages to repair the grass roof.

Matelo's miserable existence 1

No proper bed

Matelo's miserable existence

No proper wheelchair

Matelo's miserable existence

No proper roof

It was absolutely devastating to see this level of poverty and apparent hopelessness, and not know how to help. A new home? A bed? Food? Clean clothing? Incontinence pads? Physiotherapy? Has HHI got the funds to reconstruct his whole life? Matelo’s mother abandoned him years ago. What will happen when his father dies?

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