Makokoba residents are planning to fundraise for three-week-old twins whose teenage mother died nine days after giving birth in order to support the children’s upbringing.
The babies were left orphaned after the death of their mother, a 17-year-old Confidence Msimanga who lived with her mother, Precious Msimanga (36) in Makokoba.
The teenager delivered the twins through caesarean section but died nine days later (on November 10, 2022) leaving the twins in the care of their grandmother who rents at the Bulawayo Municipal Compound (BMC).
One of the community leaders of Makokoba and leader of the local Covid 19 Task force,
Dingaan Ndlovu, said they were devastated to hear of the tragic circumstance and were planning to raise funds to help the family.
“These twins are also our children and the young mother who died is also our child. We are very sorrowful about that but in our culture, we say, ‘umntwana ngowomuntu wonke njalo ukuzala kunye’ (a child belongs to everyone),” he said.
“We need to put our heads together as a community and help these children to grow like any other. We sincerely call upon any well-wishers to come on board and donate generously.”
Ndlovu particularly called upon the business community, politicians and churches to come together and assist in the upbringing of these children.
“We are also creating a fundraising committee in Makokoba which will coordinate this charitable work,” said the community leader.
When a CITE nees crew visited the family, the twins’ grandmother asked for help in caring for the two girls, Kelly Thabisile and Kayla Thabiso.
“We need milk, food, clothes, detergents, soap and blankets. I used to be an informal trader, surviving on selling tomatoes but I can’t do that now because I have to watch over these young ones,” she said.
“I also have to raise money for rent, I need to eat plus I have a five-year-old child who also goes to school. We are in a difficult place at the moment, which is why I appeal to your generosity and assist us with whatever you can afford. We will be grateful for your support.”
Msimanga’s address is Number 61 BMC and the Ecocash line she uses is +263777400509.
The twins’ great grandmother, Agnes Msimanga, made a similar plea.
“We are struggling, I stay in the rural areas and I can’t do much because of my age. I can’t even leave my daughter to go farm in our rural area because alone she will be unable to cope with the pressure,” she said.
“We kindly request for your assistance since she is no longer working. Please help us.”
