How a Philippi East constable's kindness changed a family's life
Nothandolwakhe Mthandeki in her new wheelchair.
Image: Supplied
A Philippi East police constable has warmed the hearts of her community with a touching gesture after renovating and furnishing a home for a struggling family.
Constable Natalia Jibilikile went beyond the call of duty when she stepped in to help a woman who uses a wheelchair, living in extremely poor conditions.
The house had no proper doors, broken window panes, and lacked basic necessities such as proper flooring and a secure roof.
She took action after discovering the family’s living conditions, and with the help of donors and community members, she ensured the family received a newly renovated home.
The house was repainted, fitted with new windows and doors, and improved with proper plumbing, tiles, a ceiling, and other essential repairs.
In addition to the renovations, Jibilikile also donated groceries, blankets, cupboards, bedding, and other household necessities, bringing comfort and hope to Linda Malali and her daughter, in Grade 10.
“She lives with a disability. As part of social crime prevention, I visit vulnerable people and senior citizens. I learned about her situation from community leader Linda Mveni. When I visited her, I found that her home was not suitable for living. On that day, she was alone because her daughter was at school. The house had no door and no window panes - you could see straight through. She survives on a social grant that is insufficient, and she was using an old wheelchair. I knew I had to do something,” said Jibilikile.
After witnessing the family’s struggles, Jibilikile called on the community and local businesses to make donations to the Malali family.
She said that this was not the first time she had assisted vulnerable families, adding that her mission is to improve the lives of those facing hardship.
On April 24, the Nothandolwakhe Mthandeki family officially received their newly rebuilt home.
Beneficiary, Mthandeki spoke about the challenges of raising her daughter alone while living with a disability and how the transformed house has restored hope for her family.
The community donated groceries to the Mthandeki family.
Image: Supplied
She added that the initiative would not have been possible without support from the community, her family members, and Peninsula Drums, a local company that helped with major renovations, including water installation, the ceiling, a new bed, a wardrobe, doors, windows, tiles, painting, and plumbing.
Mthandeki expressed gratitude for the support she received, highlighting the importance of community unity in helping those in need.
“I am grateful to the constable and Linda for this. It is only through prayers and determination that they managed to help my child and me. This is something anyone can only be thankful for,” she said.