Boksburg children need help – Madlala
According to Zandi’s Angels founder, Zandi Madlala, a lot more can be done by the Boksburg community to help the growing number of orphans in and around Boksburg.
“First and foremost, groups of approximately 10 members can be formed to visit schools, the streets of Boksburg and also homes to find out first-hand some of the dire circumstances these orphans have to face on a daily basis.
“If everyone can work together, a lot of children who do not have parents or who are now breadwinners can be helped.
“There are, for example, numerous women who are willing to work voluntarily at places like the Gugulethu Home,” says Madlala.
Madlala speaks passionately about some of the tough experiences she’s gone through with children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and who faces testing times.
“There’s a child we take care of who we’ve named Dorin, because she didn’t know her name when she got here. Dorin walked all the way to a salon where I was, just to ask for fermented milk.
“I was shocked and touched, because she was very young at the time, and she crossed the roads alone just to ask for milk.”
Dorin has since lived at the orphanage.
“In another instance, there was a six-year-old boy, also from Boksburg, who died outside his house with his puppy in his hands. I still have that puppy with me, and it’s now a big dog.
“The doctor said the boy’s cause of death was as a result of spending too much time outside. His mom had passed away and he lived with his three elder sisters.
“There was no money for his burial, so I contributed some money to help with it. Only if I took care of him, he would still be alive today.”
Madlala, who holds dancing, singing, and training sessions with approximately 45 children every Saturday, believes children can use their talents to keep away from drugs.
“We need to help these children to nurture their talents,” says the mother figure to many, who added the importance of education before further highlighting the pure love she has for young ones.
“I always tell the children who come here (to the orphanage) the importance of school. It doesn’t matter if your shoes are torn, don’t opt to sit and do nothing, go to school, no matter what.”
She says she has given up her business ventures in exchange of taking care of children.
“I don’t mind carrying a dustbin on top of my head if it means helping a child. I know we can’t help every single child, but 500 would be a good start.”
