BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

THE family of Mmupele in Verdwaal village, near Itsoseng said they still living in poverty. The family lost four children through hunger and dehydration back in 2011. Onkarabile, 2, Nkune, 6, Sebengu, 9 and Mapule, 7 died under the scorching sun after they followed their sister, Kedibone to the nearest farm. Kedibone allegedly left the house in that dreadful morning to fetch food at the farm. The bodies of four children were later discovered after they died from hunger and dehydration.

Martha Mmupele said: “Situation has not been improved since losing our children. We urge anyone who could help to provide any assistance. I am earning a pension grant, but I get deductions like water and electricity which I did not sign for. We would be grateful if our state of affairs can be improved.”

North West social development department acting spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “We have conducted a home circumstances report to determine the needs of the family. Our social workers linked the family with Home Affairs to apply for birth certificates and IDs. Also a vegetable garden was established at the family’s yard with the help of department of agriculture. Seed was provided to the family.”

Siko said provision of food security in the form of poultry was also provided to the family. He said a vegetable garden was established at Motlhatswa primary school.

“The garden at the school helps needy children and benefitted 99% pupils from Verdwaal including the Mmupele family.With regard to airtime and electricity debits, the family may go to the nearest police station to make a declaration. They will be requested to fill an affidavit where they declare that they have never signed any contracts with any service provider to debit airtime and electricity. After that process, they must submit the declaration to SASSA office.” Siko said.

Meanwhile, the DA in the North West commemorated the lives of four children who died. Democratic Alliance provincial spokesperson, Tutu Faleni said: “We went to visit the family and assessed the situation. They are drowning in poverty and toying with hunger. We have organised a fun walk in quest to raise money. We urge all businesses in the province to come together and heed the call. We walked the route where the children died.

-TDN

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