A businessman and runner from Gauteng, Mr Daniel Ndouvhada, ran 100km from Donald Frazer Hospital to Gogobole on Saturday, 9 October, to raise funds to help build Mpho "Mkhondo" Mudau of Gogobole a new house.
Mpho suffers from a mental instability and lives alone in a dilapidated shack with no proper windows and a leaking roof that often gets blown off by strong winds. He has no cooking pot or stove and sleeps on a pile of flimsy, torn blankets. People often see him walking around town, talking to himself. Because of his mental state he has no job, and no-one offers to help him because people say he is "crazy".
Ndouvhada read about Mpho's plight in the Limpopo Mirror (15 August) and felt he had to do something to help the man. He came up with a fundraiser and volunteered to run the 100km, so that they can build Mpho a decent house. "I am sad to say that the response from donors was not as well received as we had hoped. We will need a few more donors to help with building materials or cash to purchase the materials. Any form of assistance is welcome and would be greatly appreciated," he said.
Mudau says he had informed his local structures about his plight, but so far, no help had come forth. "I do not want luxury. I just need proper shelter. I will be the happiest person on earth," he said, with pain written all over his face.
Cllr Matodzi Ramushaba of Ward 22 in Makhado said they were aware of Mpho's situation. "We visited him not long ago and found that his situation was bad. We are making an appeal to all businesspeople who can help to please open their hearts and extend a helping hand," she said.
Anyone who might be able to help with building materials, cash or any other form of donation can call Mr Madala Maphaha on 060 645 5813.