The 13 siblings of the Morake family in Musina Nancefield could not hide their joy as Mayor Mihloti Muhlope handed them groceries and spent the whole day with them while she celebrated her birthday last week.
Lebo (26), who looks after the other 12 children, said life changed when her parents passed away some years ago. "Although I am young, I had to stand up and look after my siblings, because they look to me for survival. Seven of them are at school and I must play the role of both parent and guardian at the same time. We are very happy that the mayor has chosen to spend her special day with us. The groceries donated here today will go a long way in assisting us to have something to eat for the next few days."
Lebo said the mayor heard about their plight from a community member some time ago. "She immediately visited us and thereafter started to help us with food and other basic needs. She is always here with us and we now regard her as our sole parent, because she does her best to assist us. We know that she has a family to look after, but her kind heart has kept us going for some time."
Muhlope said the plight of the Morake children was heartbreaking and she decided to do something about it. "I adopted them in principle and help them with basic needs whenever I can. I visit them occasionally, but I thought it would be important to celebrate my birthday with them. My prayer is for them to take education seriously, so that they can be independent in future."
She urges businesspeople and concerned community members to assist the Morake siblings. "There are many needs that must be met, and we have to work together to assist them. They still need a decent shelter, more school uniforms, food, blankets and clothing. I will really be thankful to anyone who teams up with me to help these children."