LIFE is very difficult for the Malulekas and 10 members of the family are forced to live in one shack.
Khunjulwa Maluleka (40), from Meadowlands, Soweto has nine children and no source of income.
Her brother, Thabo (35), has appealed to Daily Sun to help her.
Thabo said he felt as if his hands were tied because he had a family of his own and there was little he could do for his nieces and nephews.
“Those kids are like my own and all of them in one shack means there isn’t enough space.
“This means they have to leave the house during the day and I’m scared they’ll end up doing drugs.
“I feel like I’ve failed them as an uncle. I’m the only father figure in their lives and I don’t want to have to bury one of them or see one in prison.”
Khunjulwa’s oldest son, Sibusiso (20), said: “I plead with anyone to help us. I have fallen victim to dagga because of the stress at home.
“I’m the oldest child and I try to make sure my siblings get everything they want but I struggle.
“I was robbed of my childhood and that is the worst thing ever.
“When we get help I have promised myself that I will clean up my act and become an IT specialist.”
Social development spokesman Mbangwa Xaba promised to send a team of social workers to visit the family and evaluate the situation.
“Before anything can be done we need to look at the root of the problem.
“We need to see if the children are healthy and if they are at school.”
