Media personality Mohale Motaung is devastated for a family of five who lost their youngest, a three-year-old, after a fire broke out in their home in the Eastern Cape. He is seeking donations through his organisation, For The Youth Foundation, to help rebuild the home.
Mohale’s foundation has assisted over 100 families and 600 children by donating school shoes, toiletries, food, stationery, and whatever they might require.
He recently took to social media to ask for donations towards rebuilding the family home.
“So many of you know that at the beginning of the year, my team and I do a school shoe run to donate as much necessities and school shoes for underprivileged pupils at primary schools in and around the country so that they have the same opportunities in education as other pupils.
“So the year started off on a rough note for one of the families who are beneficiaries of my foundation, For The Youth Foundation. It was sadly brought to my attention that the family home they live in, in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, was brought to flames and has unfortunately burnt and left them with nothing. The greatest casualty was a 3-year-old who was burnt in this fire.”
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Mohale says his team is doing their best to try and assist but their resources can only stretch so far.
“We are looking to buy the primary school pupils’ uniform, stationery, household supplies, food, beds, blankets, etc,” he says.
“The family has suffered a great deal and are currently living in temporary accommodation. We are also looking to rebuild their home with the help of contractors and the community. So, while this is an unusual request, I’m appealing to my followers to assist in doing more for this family. Any assistance is welcome. We will treat this matter with transparency but as much privacy as possible to protect the family and their dignity. I’d like to thank you in advance as I’m sure you will find it in your heart to be a blessing to this family. I’m grateful I can make this appeal to you. Thank you. ”
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Mohale has assisted the family in the past and he tells Drum that the tragedy touched his life.
“I have worked with various families in the Eastern Cape and we have provided for this particular family and helped the children with school shoes, and I built a relationship with them,” he says.
“The incident happened on 14 January around 6:45 pm. Someone was busy preparing food in the kitchen when they saw the lounge on fire. Everyone managed to flee to safety except for the three-year-old who was playing in the lounge, he did not make it, unfortunately,” he says. “In the house, there were two sisters and a helper. Their family does not have much, and we would appreciate any help we can.”
Last year he ran the Clean Shave, Happy Tummies campaign where they shave children’s hair and offer them lunch. This year he will also continue with the campaign Keep A child Warm and donate blankets and clothing during winter.
“I am also partnering with a Vitamins brand, and we will be providing these to children at schools. It’s important they keep their immune systems strong from a young age.”
Mohale started his foundation after receiving messages from people asking for help.
“I had a lot of people sending DMs asking for either electricity, food, or clothes and I figured that I could take all of these and assist in a uniform and structured way. I partner with people and brands, and we do our bit. This is something I am passionate bout, especially If it involves the youth. I love children and I believe If you have contacts to help those in need, it's important you do so.”
