Community members in a poorly serviced informal settlement north of Pretoria came out to witness as a group of good Samaritans from Given the Giver Foundation streamed into the yard of an indigent woman who is a survivor of egregious rape and ridicule.
The 26-year-old woman, whose name is withheld by IOL to protect her from secondary victimisation, shed tears of joy, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the foundation which was founded and is led by Gauteng-based businessman and philanthropist Given Muhlarhi.
Named after Muhlarhi’s first name, IOL initially reported on Given the Giver Foundation in 2020, when Muhlarhi intervened after pictures of a crying child wearing a plastic bag, accompanied by the mother’s desperate plea for food and nappies touched hearts of many South Africans.
At the time, the mother of the restless child, Zandile Dladla, alleged that the father of her three children had left her because she had given birth to an albino child.
Five years later, Muhlarhi told IOL that he has not turned back on his acts of random kindness to struggling community members in different parts of South Africa.
On the case of Soshanguve woman, Ntombi (not her real name), Muhlarhi said the team brought the touching case to her attention, after they were overwhelmed by the desperate plea for help. Ntombi’s sister wrote to Given the Giver Foundation, asking for assistance as the unemployed Ntombi struggles to put food on her table.
Ntombi is part of a large family with five sisters and one brother. Her mother passed away in 2011, leaving the children in the care of their aunt, Daveyton. The aunt lived with her boyfriend and his nephew, who were convicted of raping the young Ntombi.
The two rapists were convicted after Ntombi was examined by a gynecologist, who confirmed the molestation. DNA and blood tests further revealed that the aunt's boyfriend and his nephew were the perpetrators.
Additionally, Ntombi was diagnosed as HIV positive and received treatment.
Given the Giver Foundation said the rapists were each sentenced to 40 years in prison, while the aunt received a 10-year sentence. The aunt served seven years and was released.
“Unfortunately, Ntombi cannot go and stay with her aunt as there is already resentment between the families. Ntombi was taken to her father's home but faced poor treatment from the family. She was constantly reminded that she was raped and that it was her fault. She resolved to run away,” the foundation stated.
After meeting Ntombi on Friday, and bringing her a load of foodstuffs, Muhlarhi said his organisation’s journey with the cheerful rape survivor was just starting.
“On social media, people from different walks of life have been reaching out to us, telling us several touching stories. Her story is one of many stories that we received and when my team went through her story, they realised that it is so deep. This is a story of a young child, who was abused from the age of around 11. If you look at her today, she is so strong and now aged 26. She is quite a survivor, and that was very touching for me,” said Muhlarhi.
“The message we want to send through our interactions with her is that issues of abuse of children, gender-based violence – men must stop. Now we will be working on restoring her confidence which was taken away. We will work to get a job. You know how difficult it is now to get a job in South Africa. We will have to do all we can so that we ensure that she is able to survive comfortably.
“The abuse happened when she was just an innocent child. That can happen to any child. Her story is touching and very painful as well. I want to thank everyone who has come along with us today.”
Ntombi was given a voucher to buy clothes, and she will also be going for pampering at Sorbet.
Apart from his team which included Lebohang Phofu, Kego Mohlala, and Saimon Olifant, Muhlarhi was also accompanied by gospel artist, songwriter, and music producer Takie Ndou, and pastor Sthembiso Mshali.
The award-winning Ndou whose music has filtered across the continent said when he was informed of Ntombi's case, he could not wait to meet and comfort her.
“Mr Muhlarhi and is team called me about a week ago and told me about this matter. I do not think there is anyone who can be aware of her story and not be touched. It is heartbreaking and I said whatever you need me to for, I am available to come and assist in any way possible. That is why I am here,” Ndou told IOL.
Oliphant, manager at Given the Giver Foundation said his team has been praying a lot as they are showered regularly with touching stories of people requesting help.
“When I saw her (Ntombi) I was thankful to God. We will work to restore her confidence which was tainted back then. We have a long way to go with her. Hopefully, in the end we will be able to send her out there, see her soar like a bird. We want her to be happy. The tears we saw today were tears of joy and that is what we want to see moving forward,” Oliphant told IOL.
IOL