MADONSI – With the problem of a water shortage raging in most of the villages around the Malamulele area, the problem at Madonsi Boltman A and Jimmy Jones is not as bad as it could have been, thanks to Alivali Patel (known as Machipisane), a businessman with shops in the two villages.

Patel has been running the businesses in the villages for some years now and has first hand experience of the water problem in the communities. He took this as an opportunity to plough back into the community whatever profit he makes from the communities, by donating and equipping two boreholes.

When asked what actually led him to spend such a lot of money on the two boreholes, he said he wanted to set an example to the local businesspeople that they don't have to just delight in making profit from their clients, but should in one way or another do something to help solve their problems.

To put the two structures in place, Patel says he spent about R50 000, but still lets every thirsty community member drink from them free of charge.

According to the residents of the area, had it not been for him, they would have been forced to walk several kilometers to fetch water from the neighbouring Muchipisi settlement. Chief Madonsi also thanked Patel for his generosity on behalf of his people. He said they had nine bore-holes in the area but those "need electricity to provide water to the area."

Machipisani said he is also planning to do the same for the Green Farm people as he also runs a shop in the village. He told Mirror that he has assisted the people of Madonsi and Jimmy Jones in many ways since he started the businesses in the area ten years ago. The local civic association at one stage awarded him with a certificate of friendship after realising that "he was a true gift to the community". According to him he spends thousands every month in donations to needy children and families.

He showed a reporter of Mirror a file in which he keeps all the records for the donations he made during the past months. A quick look at the file showed that Machipisane has given away close to R50 000 in donations during the past six months. The local football clubs have also benefited a lot from this unselfish man. He stated that the secret behind his success is the good relationship with the communities.

He has provided employment to twenty local residents. To prove that he has the people at heart, his businesses are open seven days a week. He further stated that his religion – he is a Muslim - tells him that it is a sin for a businessman to enrich himself at the expense of the community and not give anything back to the people.