MANDALA – The publication of Mr Lavhelesani Packson Nemandivhe's story in the Mirror edition of 15 February 2002 has been followed by huge reaction from the general public.

For the record, Nemandivhe (41), has been suffering from an unknown disease since 1985. His face has been completely eroded by a wound that started as a small spot on his upper lip.

According to Nemandivhe he has been receiving telephone calls from all over the country since the day of the publication. When asked as to what category of people have been phoning most, Nemandivhe stated that the callers were from all walks of life.

What broke Nemandivhe's heart were calls from the people who wanted to know his bank particulars so that they could assist him financially. "It was embarrassing to tell prospective donors that I didn't have a bank account," he said. He said that this prompted him to rush to the bank and open a savings account. His bank details are, Standard Bank, Account No 678050619, Branch code 52849, Thohoyandou branch, Account holder, P. Nemandivhe.

He revealed that there were three spiritual healers who had read about his terrible ailment in the paper and volunteered to come and pray for him on a regular basis. Some of them even prayed for him telephonically. He stated that some of the callers had referred him to people whom they thought could heal the disease, but that he could not go due to his present financial position.

He appealed to the people who are continually leaving a "please call me" signal on his cell phone, not to do so, as he cannot call back because of a lack of money.

Nemandivhe stated that one medical practitioner told him that he knew how to treat the illness which he is suffering from. The doctor told him that the treatment was very expensive and that he should be prepared to part with a large amount of money if he wanted to be a healthy man again.

He has received calls from spiritual healers phoning from Zimbabwe who promised him that they would soon come and see for themselves. They were still to come at the time of going to the press.