- Mthetheleli Yigwana collected cans near Mbizana and earned between R20 and R50 daily to buy bread for his daily medication.
- Alfred Nzo District Municipality gave Yigwana a temporary shelter, furniture, groceries, water tank and a temporary identity document on Thursday.
Mthetheleli Yigwana lived in a falling apart shack in KwaNokhwe in Mbenya village near Mbizana for 11 years.
The 40-year-old had no bed, no electricity and no proper shelter.
He survived by collecting empty cans and selling them. On a good day, he earned R50. Most days, he earned R20.
He used the money to buy bread for his medication.
Yigwana was born without a birth certificate because his mother died before she could register him. Without an identity document, he could not access government help.
SABC reporter Nkululeko Nyembezi met him while working in the village. Yigwana chased their car when they were leaving. When they stopped, he asked them to see where he lived.
Nyembezi posted about his situation on social media.
The Mandisi Tshingana Foundation and content creator Lwando Mtwa called for donations.
By Thursday, the foundation had raised more than R50,000. Mtwa said on Friday that donations had reached R58,000.
On Thursday, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality and government departments helped Yigwana. These included the Department of Human Settlements, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Home Affairs and Sassa.
They gave him a temporary shelter with furniture. He received a three-month grocery voucher from Sassa, clothes, groceries and a water tank.
Home Affairs gave him a temporary identity document. He needs to go to Ntabankulu on Monday for an interview to get a permanent identity card.
Alfred Nzo Mayor Tsileng Sobuthongo said they will ensure he gets a permanent house and a social grant.
“I want to thank everyone who took part in changing my situation. I am grateful for the help,” he said.
Pictured above: Mthetheleli Yigwana.
Image source: Alfred Nzo DM
