Siteki – Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla met families of children with disabilities during a visit to Siteki this week, where she heard emotional accounts of hardship and resilience from caregivers struggling under severe conditions.
Among them was Ntombi Zulu, a widow from Mlindazwe raising four disabled children and two disabled grandchildren. She shared how her children, initially born without complications, developed signs of autism at different stages, with some symptoms emerging as early as age five. With no access to specialized education or support, the children eventually dropped out of school.
Zulu credited neighbours and Sibusiso Mbingo, Director of Micro Projects, for assisting her to keep going despite the odds. Her greatest concern is the lack of a suitable home for the children.
Another story came from Gelane Maziya, who requested help for her 29-year-old nephew Bheki Mphila. He lost his left arm to cancer and now lives in tough conditions with his aunt.
The Acting Prime Minister assured both families they would receive newly built homes. She also said Bheki would be enrolled in carpentry training while Zweleka, one of Zulu’s children, would receive training in hairdressing.
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